![\"Mar](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/89365275007-usatsi-28602147.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMarch 28, 2026, 4:07 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
When the Boston Celtics play physical, they tend to win, and that was born out in the Celtics’ 109-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden this past Friday (March 27) evening. And in the absence of star forward Jaylen Brown (out with Achilles tendinitis), the physical play of Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum in particular stood out as drivers for Boston’s undermanned victory vs. the Hawks.<\/p>\n
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had praise for both after the win, saying the impact of Walsh “was huge” in one of his first extended runs in several games. “Games call for toughness and physicality, and that\u2019s something that he brings, so credit to him,” said Mazzulla.<\/p>\n
“The professionalism to stay ready over the course of the season says a lot about him, and I thought he gave us some great minutes tonight, great energy, and great physicality.”<\/p>\n
Tatum’s role in creating mismatches also figured in the win, with Mazzulla saying “I thought I saw his defensive rebounding \u2013 I thought that was the most important thing. I thought offensively, (he) got into the paint … was able to get to the free throw line, shoot 10 free throws, continuing to chip away at giving the game what it needs.”<\/p>\n
“He was aggressive in his drive, missed some easy layups there, but as long as he stays aggressive, as long he makes the right read, as long as he continues to rebound, he’s continuing to get better and better.”<\/p>\n
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