NBA Playoffs 2012: Atlanta Hawks Have No Chance Against the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics sealed their first round fate with their win in Game 2. Sure, the series is still tied and Boston will still need to win three more games to advance, but there is no chance that they lose to this Atlanta Hawks team after what happened in Game 2. 

After Game 1, it was a completely different story. The Hawks looked like the favorites to run away with this series. In Game 2 though, the Celtics stole the momentum in a big way.

It's amazing really, what 12 minutes of basketball did for this Celtics team and their playoff hopes. The fourth quarter of Game 2 changed everything.

It was during those 12 minutes that the Celtics started to instill confidence in their fans, while at the same time creating a sense of uneasiness in Hawks fans. If it were not for those final 12 minutes of basketball, it would be the Celtics who were down and out.

Most importantly, we found out during that time that the Celtics truly are the better team. For the Hawks though, it gets worse than the fact that their opponent is better. As of right now, the Celtics and Hawks are going in opposite directions.

The Celtics are getting better leading up to Game 3, with Rondo (and potentially Ray Allen) returning. Meanwhile, the Hawks could be without their best player so far in this series, Josh Smith. Without Smith, the Hawks will be without the majority of their offense and rebounding. 

On top of Josh Smith's injury and the derailed confidence of the Hawks, the next two games will be in Boston. The Garden will be rocking and that will without a doubt have an effect on the game.

Most importantly though, the Celtics have regained their swagger. After beating the Hawks without Rondo, their confidence has to be through the roof—and when this team plays with confidence, watch out. 

The Celtics were, in effect, a sleeping giant. In the final quarter of Game 2, they woke up.

On their home court for the next two games against a Hawks team now lacking confidence (and potentially without their most valuable player), the Celtics will be stronger than ever after a few days off and with Rondo (at least) coming back. 

Game, set, match—Boston.