The Atlanta Hawks improved to 3–0 in the NBA 2K26 Summer League with a 102–90 victory over the Boston Celtics at the Pavilion in Las Vegas on 11 July 2026. Atlanta controlled much of the contest, using a dominant third quarter to pull away before comfortably closing out the game. Boston dropped to 2–1 despite a late push in the fourth period.
Atlanta established an early advantage by winning the opening quarter 29–25 and maintained control in the second, holding Boston to just 14 points while adding 23 of their own. The Hawks entered halftime with a 52–39 lead after limiting the Celtics’ offensive rhythm through the opening two quarters.
The decisive stretch came after halftime. Atlanta erupted for 31 points in the third quarter while restricting Boston to 23, extending its lead to 83–62 entering the final period. Although the Celtics responded with 28 points in the fourth quarter, the Hawks matched the challenge well enough to preserve a comfortable double-digit advantage until the final buzzer.
K. Johnson led Atlanta with an impressive all-around display, finishing with 30 points and seven rebounds. Boston’s C. Cenac Jr. paced the Celtics with 16 points and four blocks, providing strong defensive contributions despite the defeat. The result kept Atlanta unbeaten through three Summer League games while handing Boston its first loss of the event.
Standout Performances
- K. Johnson (Atlanta Hawks): 30 points, 7 rebounds.
- C. Cenac Jr. (Boston Celtics): 16 points, 4 blocks.
- Atlanta Hawks: Improved to 3–0 in the NBA Summer League.
- Boston Celtics: Fell to 2–1.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Atlanta outscored Boston 31–23. The Hawks extended their halftime lead to 21 points, giving them a comfortable cushion that the Celtics were unable to overcome despite a stronger final quarter.
Game Statistics
- League: NBA 2K26 Summer League – Las Vegas
- Date: 11 July 2026
- Venue: Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Final Score: Atlanta Hawks 102, Boston Celtics 90
- Quarter Scores:
- Q1: Hawks 29–25 Celtics
- Q2: Hawks 23–14 Celtics
- Q3: Hawks 31–23 Celtics
- Q4: Celtics 28–19 Hawks
- Top Performer (Atlanta): K. Johnson – 30 points, 7 rebounds
- Top Performer (Boston): C. Cenac Jr. – 16 points, 4 blocks
- Records: Hawks (3–0), Celtics (2–1)