Hawks (24-32) at Celtics (45-12) 3/2

[FLCeltsFan]

Celtics inbound on the side. PP drives down the lane and is fouled. PP hits both FTs. Celtics with pressure in the back court as Bibby brings it up. RA with a steal. Perk with the loose ball. PP takes it to the hoop and misses a layup but gets his own rebound and brings it back out. He takes it back to the hoop and misses a layup. Perk tips the rebound to Pierce and he lays it in. Smith takes it to the hoop and scores. Pierce is fouled and hits both FTs. Smith takes it to the hoop and is fouled by Perk. Perk fouls out and gets a big hand from the crowd as he goes to the bench. Smith hits the first and KG goes out to a big hand. Smith misses the second and PP rebounds. Smith called for a foul and Rondo goes to the line. He hits the first and Pierce gets a hand as he goes out. Rondo hits the second. Stoudamire takes it to the hoop for the layup. RA gets the inbound pass and dribbles out the clock. Final score is Celtics 98 and Hawks 88.

[mev17]

Nice to see KG have a big day on the glass, along with Perk. Also, second productive day in a row for Perk -- hopefully this trend can continue all the way to the playoffs.

Looks like we have our groove back on defense as well; another opponent held below 40% shooting.

BRING ON DETROIT!!!

[The Eye of the Q is upon you!]

Good game tonight. Atlanta played well and gave the Celtics trouble. Still when push came to shove, the Celtics successfully stiff-armed the Hawks with defense, rebounding, and slightly better offensive execution. The game was in doubt until the final minutes even though Boston never trailed when I tuned in just after halftime. Atlanta has a Mike Bibby, a veteran PG who has been to the great playoff wars and will be invaluable leading the Hawks into a lower seed. Perhaps we see them in the opening round. This kind of action tonight is what to expect in the playoffs.