What We Learned From Atlanta's Miraculous 30-Point Comeback Win vs Boston

The Atlanta Hawks handed the Boston Celtics arguably their worst loss of the season last night when they came back from 30-point down and beat the team with the best record and best net rating in the NBA. The Celtics have been on a history pace through the league this year, but they absolutely collapsed against a Hawks team that was missing seven players last night. It was one of the most exciting games of the season and one of the only 30-point comebacks in NBA history.

What did we learn from last night's game?

1. The Hawks second half three-point shooting won them the game

At the beginning of last night's game, the Celtics simply could not miss from three and they led the Hawks by 22 just after the first quarter. The Celtics shot 67% from the field and 71% from three in the opening quarter while Tatum scored 14 points, Brown had 13, and Porzingis. Atlanta could not do much to stop the Celtics big three.

Things changed in the second half though.

Boston was 1-15 shooting from three in the second half, while the Hawks were 11-19. When a team makes 10 more three's than you, they are likely going to win, even if you are up 30. Whether it was Vit Krejci, Bogdan Bogdanovic, or De'Andre Hunter, the Hawks got hot from three in the second half and it helped them complete the historic comeback.

2. Vit Krejci stepped up in a big way

Since Saddiq Bey went down with a season-ending injury, Krejci has been starting for the Hawks. Last night, Krejci stepped up when the Hawks needed him the most. Krejci finished the game 4-7 from three, scoring 16 points, including 13 points in the third quarter, capping off his best game as a Hawk. Krejci has shown his ability to hit three's and pass out of traffic while driving to the bucket, as well as not being a negative on defense. If he can show this ability more often, he might have a future in Atlanta.

3. De'Andre Hunter took an ill-advised shot, but it payed off

Hunter had a great game last night and has been one of the Hawks bright spots despite all of their injuries, but he almost made what could have been a big mistake. After the Hawks missed a shot with 12 seconds remaing and leading the game by one point 117-116, Clint Capela grabbed the offensive rebound and the shot clock was off. He passed the ball out to Hunter, who could have dribbled the ball and waited to be fouled, decided to hoist up a three. He made the shot and the Hawks went up by four, but if he had missed and the Hawks gave up a basket on the other end, that would have been looked upon not as fondly. He made it though and more or less sealed the deal for the Hawks in their comeback. Hunter would finish the game with 24 points, leading the way for the Hawks.