BOSTON — The Atlanta Hawks have the best record in the Eastern Conference and have won 10 straight for the first time in 17 years.
Life is so good for the Hawks, they even have the depth to platoon starters during a busy stretch.
DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Teague responded from a night off with 22 points apiece, helping the Hawks to a 105-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
“It’s just the start. It’s a long season, so we’re not too excited,” Teague said.
Not even a little?
The Hawks have their first double-digit winning streak since winning 11 in a row early in the 1997-98 season. They also have won 10 straight on the road, the longest streak in club history.
Teague, Paul Millsap and Carroll were well-rested after getting a night off Tuesday, when Al Horford led the Hawks past Philadelphia with his first career triple-double. On Wednesday, it was Horford and veteran outside shooter Kyle Korver resting up as their teammates easily took care of the Celtics.
“I don’t like it, but it’s Coach’s call and it paid off for us,” said Millsap, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season.
“He might know what he’s doing,” Millsap added.
Avery Bradley had 17 points and Jared Sullinger finished with 14 points and nine rebounds for Boston. Kelly Olynyk had 12 points and eight rebounds and Marcus Thornton scored 10 points for the Celtics, who never recovered after the Hawks blew open the game in the second quarter.
“I thought our offense was pretty poor all night and I think they’re obviously a difficult enough offense to guard,” Boston coach Brad Stevens said. “But when you give them run-out dunks it doesn’t help anything and we just turned the ball over too much.”
Boston had 17 turnovers, five during the second quarter.
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