Celtics take Game 3, but Isaiah Thomas could face suspension

The Celtics were blown out in the first quarters of Game 1 and Game 2 against the Hawks,but Friday at TD Gardenit was Boston that raced out to a huge early advantage. The C’s outscored Atlanta 37-20 in the first quarter of Game 3 and it helped them to a 111-103 victory.

The Hawks still lead the series, 2-1, with Game 4 slated for Sunday (6 p.m., CSNNE, TNT).

Isaiah Thomas had a monster performance for the Celts, pouring in 42 points on 12-of-24 shooting. Thomas knocked down five 3-pointers in the game.

There is the distinct chance that Thomas could face some discipline from the league, however, after video captured him slapping Hawks guard Dennis Schroder upside the head as he was running up-court.

The Celtics were able to limit Atlanta’s Al Horford and Paul Millsap to just eight points apiece. Boston instead allowed Kent Bazemore(20 points) and Jeff Teague (23 points) to get the open looks.

Evan Turner (17 points) and Amir Johnson (15 points) both had strong offensive showings for the Celtics.