Final: Celtics 128, Hawks 120 - C's survive tough battle to take Game 6, series, from Hawks

Celtics vs. Hawks 

Game 6, 8:30 p.m.

State Farm Arena, TNT, NBCS Boston

Line: Boston -7

Refs: Marc Davis (#8), Curtis Blair (#74), Jacyn Goble (#68)

Injuries: 

Boston- Gallinari (out). Atlanta- None

Projected Starters

Boston: Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford

Atlanta: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, Clint Capela

What I’m looking for:

Early answer: This is similar to what I was hoping for in the last game, and the thought still stands. Come out strong, take control with the defense, run off turnovers, and build a big lead. Don’t give them life. End this series right away. 

Murray’s impact: I think there's a reasonable chance that Murray tries to do too much in his return to the lineup, taking away from Trae Young and keeping both out of rhythm. The mix has been wonky for the both of them in Atlanta, and the game without Murray was easily Young’s best. Will Murray’s return throw everything off enough for Boston to take advantage.

Close like normal people: Enough of just trying to milk the clock down the stretch with a somewhat comfortable lead. Play normal basketball and increase the lead instead. Don’t break your back trying to get it to Tatum and Brown and play the “burn 18 seconds off the clocks and let your stars isolate to score” game. Just run the offense and score the damn ball. 

How I think it will go:

I think the Celtics have generally responded well in moments like this. They might get too comfortable with a 3-1 lead, but then when they get burned, they tend to come back with some focus. 

So I think they’ll come out strong and focused. We might see Horford take a few more shots early and I think the defense will be ready to go. I’m taking Boston, again, to cover the 7 and finish this thing off. 

Follow along below or in the comments during the game, chime in, and let’s have fun.