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    Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) shoots over Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the second half during game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at State Farm Arena.

    De'Andre Hunter Scores 27 in Hawks' Loss to Brogdon, Hauser and Celtics

    Hunter had 27 points and seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough to stop Boston from taking a 3-1 lead in the series against Atlanta
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    For any UVA basketball fans who also follow the NBA, or at least keep track of former Virginia basketball players in the NBA, no first round playoff series has been more fun to watch than the Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics. There have been multiple occasions in which as many as three former Wahoos have been on the court at the same time in an NBA Playoff game, a remarkable testament to the success of Tony Bennett's UVA basketball program in developing NBA-level talent. 

    De'Andre Hunter did everything he could in game 4, dropping 27 points on 11/17 shooting including 3/6 from beyond the arc to go along with seven rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal, all while guarding Boston's superstar forward Jayson Tatum. But it wasn't enough to prevent the Celtics, who got 13 points from newly-minted Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon and three points from another former Wahoo in Sam Hauser, from winning 129-121 in Atlanta to claim a 3-1 series lead. 

    Hunter, Trae Young (35 points), and Dejounte Murray (23 points) combined for 85 points for the Hawks, but they couldn't keep up with Boston, whose starters combined to score 99 points, while Brogdon, Hauser, and Robert Williams III gave the Celtics 30 more points off the bench. 

    Hunter had a few electrifying plays in the game, including this thunderous one-hand dunk in transition:

    There was also a cool moment in the third quarter featuring all three of the former Wahoos on the floor. De'Andre Hunter got the ball with Sam Hauser guarding him. Hunter drove towards the paint and Malcolm Brogdon started to come over for help defense, but Hunter then spun away and hit a sweet fadeaway jumper over the outstretched hand of Hauser. 

    Hunter and the Hawks will likely be eliminated by the Celtics in game 5 in Boston on Tuesday, but you can't say Hunter didn't do everything he could to keep his team in it. From the perspective of the Virginia men's basketball program, which enjoyed success at the highest level with these guys in the orange and blue, this series has been a joy to witness. 

    Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) controls the ball in front of Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at State Farm Arena.

    Malcolm Brogdon dribbles the ball while guarded by De'Andre Hunter.

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