It wasn't the prettiest display, but the Boston Celtics edged out the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, 109-106.
Boston bounced back from a sluggish first quarter in which they were outscored 32-19.
Here are three instant overreactions from the C's win, which brings them to 24-8 on the year:
1. Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis were two MVPs of the victory.
Verdict: Not an overreaction
Jaylen Brown did what Jaylen Brown does (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Gordon Hayward stepped up in Kemba Walker's absence (18 points, six rebounds) but it was the Celtics frontcourt showing out in the win.
Kanter and Theis were outstanding, teaming up for 17 total rebounds while contributing 14 points and two blocks apiece. There's a lot of talk about the frontcourt being a glaring weakness for Boston, and while there's some truth to that statement, this duo has been really impressive as of late.
Ex-Celtic Evan Turner said before the game he doesn't believe they need to add a big before the trade deadline, and he may have a point.
Don't sleep on Marcus Smart, either. He stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. The scrappy C's guard also drilled the dagger 3-pointer in the game's final moments.
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2. Jayson Tatum is missing way too many easy shots.
Verdict: Not an overreaction
This was not a game to remember for Tatum.
The 21-year-old went just 2-for-16 from the field (13 points) and struggled mightily at the rim throughout. That's been something Tatum has had issues with thus far in his young career.
Otherwise, Year 3 has been a step in the right direction for Tatum, but that's an area he needs to improve going forward.
3. Celtics need to outbid Hawks in Andre Drummond sweepstakes.
Verdict: Overreaction
If there's any game that shows the C's don't need to go all out to add Drummond, this was it with the play of Kanter and Theis.
The Celtics, along with the Hawks, were mentioned Friday as suitors for the two-time All-Star. A move obviously would provide a major boost to Boston's frontcourt, but Hayward likely would have to be the centerpiece to make the deal happen. With Drummond likely to hit free agency after the season, the C's shouldn't feel pressured to overspend for him before the Feb. 6 deadline.
Highlights: C's survive in close encounter to knock off Hawks
Don't miss NBC Sports Boston's coverage of Celtics-Bulls, which tips off Friday at 7:30 p.m. with Celtics Pregame Live, and then Mike and Scal have the call at 8 p.m. You can also stream the game on the MyTeams App.