Halftime thoughts: Celtics 57, Hawks 38

Not to toot my own horn, but I saw this coming.

With the way this season has unfolded so far, one thing that I have learned from the Celtics is to always expect the unexpected. When you think the Celtics would have heavy legs and look sluggish, they come out and dominate.

Last night was encouraging, with the only thing wrong being the inefficiency of the offense. Tonight, the offense has returned, and they lead the Hawks at the half, 57-38.

At one point in the second quarter, Boston had a 27 point lead, which was tied for their largest lead not of the past week, the past month, but of the entire season.

Here is some food for thought:

* In my opinion, the first quarter is always the most important quarter of the game. I have stressed the importance of the first many times, and I even did so before last night's game. I didn't tonight because I figured Boston would either grab it by the horns or look completely disengaged. Fortunately, the former took place and the Celtics won the first quarter, 29-10.

* Each Celtic that has seen playing time tonight has either not scored or scored at least 6 points. The Celtics have 7 players with at least 6 points. Talk about balanced scoring.

* Boston is in complete control in the assist department. They hold the advantage, 15-6. The Celtics starting lineup has more assists (9) than the entire Hawks team.

* If you would have told me that Boston would have a 10-point edge in fastbreak points at the half on the second night of a back-to-back, I would reply, "Yeah, and I am the President of the United States." But that's exactly the case tonight, as Boston leads in that category, 16-6. Guess I can be the president for one night.

* The one thing I'm concerned about is how the Celtics will manage playing the rest of the way with a big lead. We've seen the Celtics botch big leads on numerous occasions this season, so there is some reason to be uncomfortable with this big lead. What Boston needs to do is not take their foot off Atlanta's throat and keep attacking. They CANNOT be content with where they are.