11:01 - A great start, as the Hawks go inside to Al Horford who kicks it back out to Joe for an open three. It's the first time I've seen them do that this game, and not a moment too soon. After a stop, Josh Smith hits a jumper from the baseline, and just like that, it's back to a 5-point game. Celtics take a timeout to try to stall, but the crowd has come back to life. This thing ain't over yet!8:35 - Ray Allen cools a 7-0 run by the Hawks by sticking another 3. I'd give anything to be able to shoot like him. It is one of the prettiest shots in the history of the league. 78-72 Celtics.
7:03 - Foul shots for both teams, as Josh Smith makes four but Paul Pierce makes only 1. It's 79-76 Celtics.5:53 - Joe with a tough runner in the lane for 2, and after a stop, it's Hawks ball with a chance to take the lead. This is one of those times - you have a chance to take the lead in a game like this, with the crowd going nuts, and it's the launching point to a victory. Each possession here is so critical, and if you don't score you can only come back so many times. Take the lead here Hawks!
5:23 - The Celtics are blinking, ever so slightly. KG gets called for a travel on one end, then a defensive 3-seconds gives the Hawks a T to tie the game at 79. Josh Smith jumper (no no no no YES!) - Hawks lead 81-79.4:33 - Signature moment of the series for Joe Johnson. JJ crosses Leon Powe over, Powe falls down, and Joe is left all alone to calmly sink a 3-pointer to give the Hawks a 5-point lead, 84-79. Joe has 11 points in the quarter. This place is going crazy. DEFENSE!
4:16 - KG goes to the line (and misses the first). I have just reminded myself who is on the floor for the Hawks right now. Mike Bibby, 4th Quarter Playoff Killer.
3:25 - Huge offensive rebound by Horford, and Joe sticks another basket to open it up 86-80. 13 for Joe in the 4th now...
2:15 - The Joe Show Fo Mo! Another trip, another deuce for JJ and the Hawks lead 88-82 as the Celtics are forced (well, I don't know if they were forced, but they did it anyway) to call their last timeout. I don't know if we will win or lose this game or series (win? please?), but hopefully this game will show the world what Joe Johnson is capable of. He has been on a mission this game - but it ain't over yet, not with shooters like Ray Allen and Paul Pierce on the court.
1:31 - Ummm, another JJ basket? By the way, the last 4 I think have all been at the rim. Where is KG? Where is the Celtics defense to keep Joe out of the lane? 90-84 Hawks.
1:11 - Posey hits a 3, and its a 90-87 lead. I am freaking out.39.7 - Offensive rebounds have been absolutely crucial to the Hawks efforts in this game. Josh Childress just grabbed the biggest one yet, and a foul on Paul Pierce sends JJ to the line - he hits one, and its 91-87.
26.2 - The Celtics fail to convert as Pierce inexplicably loses the handle on his way to the rim. Josh Smith is fouled and hits em both to make it 93-87. Holy lord god, this may really happen...
18.7 - Ray Allen dunks, and it's back to four. Gotta avoid turnovers and hit some foul shots.
14.3 - Garnett fouls JJ - 1 down - 2 down. 95-89. Hawks still have a foul to give, and they use it with 10.9 left.
4.3 - Posey hits another 3, it's 95-92. One successful inbounds play, 1 free throw.
2.6 - Inbounds, check, Josh Smith goes to the line and he can finish it off. Hits the first! Game. Set. Match. 2-2.
