Smith Help Hawks Take Flight, Beat Boston In Game 3 102-93

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA PLAYOFFS

A funny thing took place in the first round sweep of the Atlanta Hawks by the Boston Celtics, it never happened! Josh Smith led a balanced?Hawks scoring attack with 27 points, as all five starters scored in double figures, and Atlanta burned the Celtics Saturday night 102-93. The victory was the first for the Hawks in their opening round NBA Playoff series, and they looked much more aggressive, and more comfortable playing in front of their home fans at the Phillips Arena.

The Hawks came out of the?gate looking hungry, and they led the Green Team at the end of the first quarter 32-26. They stumbled a bit in the second quarter, as the Celtics came back and tied the game at the half as the two opponents were deadlocked at 56-56. But when the two teams returned Atlanta turned up the defensive intensity, and held Boston to just 37 points in the entire second half. The Hawks put the game away in the third quarter as they took a 84-74 lead. Boston never got over the hump in the fourth.

Josh Smith scored 27 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, in the Atlanta victory.? Joe Johnson scored 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, Al Horford had his second double-double of the series as he scored 17 points, grabbed 14 boards, 6 assists, 1 steal.? Marvin Williams scored 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, Mike Bibby scored 12 points, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 rebound.

Kevin Garnett recorded a double-double, as he scored a game high 32 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block. Paul Pierce scored 17 points, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds, Ray Allen had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.? Rajon Rondo scored 10 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds, Kendrick Perkins scored?10 points also, 2 rebounds, 1 block. Boston now leads the series 2-1 with game four to be played in Atlanta.

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