After a trip to Boston where they suffered consecutive 13-point defeats, the Hawks returned to Atlanta with their backs against the wall. The Hawks were a home loss from a 3-0 series deficit heading into play Friday night. As no team in NBA history has ever mounted a comeback from a 3-0 series hole, Game 3 was virtually a must-win game for the Atlanta Hawks.
When the lights shined brightest, the Hawks’ two stars showed up. They and a revitalized bench willed the Hawks past the Celtics to keep their postseason hopes alive, 130-122. It was a classic shootout, with both teams north of 1.