Celtics Soar Past the Hawks, emerge with 125-117 victory

Boston's starting five all scored in double figures, led by Kristaps Porzingis who led all scorers with 31 points.

It was a super-efficient night for Kristaps Porzingis who only needed 31 minutes to score 31 points against the Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)

BOSTON — At this point in the season, the Boston Celtics are a big game for anyone they face.

Comes with the territory when you’re record remains better than anyone else in the league.

So it should come as no surprise when the Celtics find themselves in a tougher-than-anticipated game against sub-par teams.

But the good teams meet all comers head-on and compete night-in, night-out.

The great ones find ways to win, which the Celtics were able to do in fending off a late surge by the Hawks before ultimately emerging with a 125-117 win.