Two Eastern Conference giants, the undefeated Atlanta Hawks (6-0) and the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics (7-1), faced-off tonight at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA.

The last time these two teams met was in the first round of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the underdog Hawks forced a Game Seven on the heavily-favored Boston Celtics.

After that loss, the Hawks came into this season with something to prove, and they have—starting the season as the only undefeated team in the East. However, their fate changed tonight as they faced off against the Boston Celtics, who are nearly unbeatable at home.

The first quarter would see the Hawks come out to a 31-24 lead, but the tables turned in the second quarter as the two teams went into halftime tied at 51.

The second half was as close as any game I have witnessed this year, but the Celtics were able to pull off the win by a one-point margin. The team was led by Paul Pierce (34 points), and Kevin Garnett—who had a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds, along with two blocks and four assists.

The Hawks did not get a good effort out of center Al Horford, as he only managed to get five points and three rebounds. If they are going to do well this season, they need better performances from their big man.

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