Cassell Takes Over In Fourth As Boston Clip Hawks Wings 99-89

Posted by Jeff Sack under Main

After three quarters of play Saturday night at Phillips Arena in Atlanta, the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks were deadlocked at 74-74.? Celtics coach Doc Rivers pulled all his starters, while Hawks coach Mike Woodson left all his starters in the game. The Boston reserves led by backup point guard Sam Cassell easily met the challenge and?the Green Team won the game 99-89.? Cassell in by far his best game in a Celtics uniform dominated the?quarter. The?Hawks would have clinched a playoff spot with a win, their magic number is now?2 with 2 games left on the docket.

The Celtics came out on fire in the first quarter, as they led 30-22 at the end of the period. They got the lead up to double digits in the 2nd quarter, as Boston led 55-44 as the game reached the half. But The Hawks took flight when the two teams returned to the court in the third, as Atlanta outscored Boston 30-19 in the quarter to tie the game at 74-74 heading into the fourth. Momentum kept swinging the Hawks way at the start of the quarter, as Mike Bibby hit back to back treys to give Atlanta a 84-78 lead with 8:22 in the quarter remaining. But the Celtic struck back going on a 13-0 run as Cassell hit an outside shot with 1:47 left in the game. The Hawks never recovered.

Kevin Garnett led all scorers with 24 points, 6 rebounds,4 assists, 1 block, in the Boston victory.?Sam Cassell scored 20 points, 5 assists, 1 rebound, 1 assist, Paul Pierce scored 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.? Ray Allen also scored 14, 1 assist, 1 rebound.

All five Atlanta?starters scored?in double figures led by Joe?Johnson who?scored 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.? Al Horford recorded a double-double, 17 points, 11 boards, 2 assists, Josh Smith scored 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 assists, 1 steal. Mike Bibby scored 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals. Boston is now 63-16, Atlanta is 37-43.

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