Hawks Eye Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Celtics Strengthen with Jaylen Brown, Raptors Update

NBA action saw decisive wins and shifting playoff implications across multiple markets. Atlanta dominated Orlando, Boston overwhelmed Miami, and Toronto dropped a key home contest.

Hawks report

Hawks Eye Nickeil Alexander-Walker proved apt again. He poured in 32 points as Atlanta beat Orlando 130-101.

Jalen Johnson added 18 points and 14 rebounds. He finished two assists shy of a triple-double.

Dyson Daniels chipped in 15 points and 13 boards. The Hawks shot 51 percent and controlled the glass, 52-36.

The contest shifted in the second quarter when Atlanta scored 47 points. That stretch gave the Hawks control for good.

Atlanta has won 17 of its last 19 games. The team swept the season series from Orlando and leads the Southeast Division by 3.5 games.

Celtics overview

Celtics Strengthen with Jaylen Brown as he scored 43 in a high-scoring win. Boston defeated Miami 147-129.

Jayson Tatum recorded his first triple-double of the season. He finished with 25 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists.

The Celtics poured in 53 first-quarter points, a franchise record. That total also tied for the second-most in any NBA opening quarter.

Boston made 11 of its first 13 shots and ended the quarter on a 24-3 run. Sam Hauser added 23 points in the victory.

Boston improved to 31-0 when scoring at least 117 points. The mark underscores the team’s offensive efficiency this season.

Raptors Update

Toronto fell at home to Sacramento, 123-115. The loss snapped a five-game home winning streak.

RJ Barrett and Collin Murray-Boyles each scored 20 points. Murray-Boyles reached the 20-point mark for the first time in his career.

Jakob Poeltl contributed 18 points. Scottie Barnes posted 14 points and 10 assists.

The defeat tightened the East standings. The Raptors now share sixth place with the 76ers, with Philadelphia holding the tiebreaker.

Filmogaz.com will continue to track developments and playoff races as the season progresses.