This victory is due both to an iron defense from a team that had too often lacked rigor in its camp and to a bench that outclassed that of the Celtics. The substitutes scored 46 points to contribute to this success which allows Atlanta to return to the height of Wahsington in 10th place in the Eastern Conference.

Always spared after his ankle injury, Clint Capela benefited from a playing time of 23 minutes to score 6 points and grab 7 rebounds. The Genevan and his teammates will host LeBron James’ Lakers on Sunday with the hope of continuing this virtuous series.

ats/ace