Atlanta Hawks looking to avoid getting swept by Boston Celtics this weekend

Atlanta is down 2-0 heading into Fridays game

ATLANTA – It’s do-or-die for the Atlanta Hawks as they are down 2-0 to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Atlanta hopes to steal a game at StateFarm Arena this weekend, but have had no answer for Boston’s offense.

Still, it isn’t over until the Hawks say it’s over.

“That’s a great team,” Dejounte Murray said. “They took it upon themselves to stay together and it speaks for itself. They’re a well-coached team and you can’t make too many mistakes against them.”

The Hawks have yet to beat the Celtics this season, and have put themselves in bit of trouble to start this series.

Boston has averaged 115 points per game against Atlanta, and beat them by 13 points in the first two games.

The good news is Atlanta can rely on homecourt advantage to steal a game or two before heading back to Boston.

Atlanta’s 24-17 at home, averaging 119.6 points per game thanks to Trae Young’s 27.5 points and 11 assists per game during that stretch. He’ll need to answer the call on Friday night, however, as the Celtics have held him to 35 percent from the field in the last two games.

“I can be better. I know I didn’t show the ball really well,” Young said. “Playing at home, usually you get an extra boost and I’m looking forward to getting back home and playing in front of our fans.”