Celtics Too Much for Doc Rivers

1990-91 Boston Celtics

There aren't many occasions when you take the floor for the first time and you are staring at hostile fans, a hot team and a 15-point deficit.

But that's what the Atlanta Hawks faced yesterday. Coach Bob Weiss elected to go for the "quick strike" attack to get back into it, but his team forgot how to shoot. And an impending rout turned into a legitimate one in a hurry.

The Hawks surrendered a quick hoop to fall behind, 39-22. Then Doc Rivers tried a 3-pointer. It rimmed out. Atlanta would be hit with an 18-4 run in only four minutes. End of game.

"We wanted to look for the 3 to get us back into it," Weiss said. "But our guys weren't ready. After a few baskets, it was all over."

By halftime, the Celtics led, 69-41, and Atlanta was shooting 29 percent to Boston's 63. The Celtics had a 33-21 rebounding advantage. The Hawks had committed nine turnovers, the Celtics had turned those into 18 points.

"After a while, what could you do?" wondered Dominique Wilkins, who had 9 points. "You're starting 15 down. They have confidence, they're shooting it well. It was a total, great game for them."

NEW CREW FOR GAME

The game had a new set of officials. Paul Mihalak was the crew chief and was joined by neophytes Don Vaden and Mike Costabile . . . The only verifiable slipping incident came when Brian Shaw skidded to the floor at the end of the third quarter. "I slipped," Shaw said. "But I also got some help." He was called for traveling. Shaw had five steals . . . The Celtics finished with a 58-41 rebounding advantage . . . None of the owners were present. Nor was Red Auerbach . . . Even though the game was 25 percent over, the national anthem did not start from "Whose broad stripes and bright stars?" . . . Sidney Moncrief was the luckiest one of all; he didn't play . . . The Celtics were shooting 62.5 percent through three quarters, yet finished at 55.3 . . . Dave Popson took five shots in six minutes. Joe Kleine suggested Popson ice down his shooting arm . . . The only player on either side not to score? Jon Koncak, who played 19 minutes.