8:00 - A run by the Celtics to start the third, and it's 59-53. We have got to get open looks for Joe in this half. JJ had 2 points in the first 24 minutes, but he took only 7 shots. We need to try dumping it into Horford more, it has worked before in the series.7:00 - Marvin is the MVP of the game so far, as he hits a pair of FTs to cut it back to six at 61-55. He is the only Hawk in double figures right now with 14 points in the game.
6:15 - JJ gets his first basket of the half on a leaner in the lane, and it's back to 6 again. Gotta get some stops!
5:08 - Mike Bibby gets 2 more baskets to cut it to 67-62. The Hawks need some stops, but getting Zaza getting blown for a foul at the top of the key hurts. Fortunately KG misses the first. We need to ride the Bibby train for awhile if we can.
4:15 - Another easy basket for KG. The Celtics have 38 points in the paint right now. Horford answers him on the other end, but Pierce drains a 3 to push it back to 8. Give credit where credit is due, Boston is matching everything the Hawks are sending at them.
3:08 - Bibby goes to the line after Pierce picks up his 4th. Josh Smith has 4 as well for Atlanta, as does Zaza Pachulia. Bibby goes 1-2, cutting it back to five. At some point this quarter, we've got to get it back to tied to really get the fans into it. 73-68 Boston.
1:51 - Kevin Garnett had an MVP-type season, and he is showing all his talents tonight. He has 18 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks so far. I'd like to say we can do something to slow him down, but his height causes real problems. Still, it's 77-70 with Al going to the line after a timeout. We are so close...
1:17 - In the playoffs, you have to get good play from people other than your stars if you want to win. There are just too many circumstances that come up (foul trouble, cold shooting) to avoid it. I'd like to give props to Zaza Pachulia right now, who is playing his heart out while Josh Smith sits on the bench.
0:53 - That's what I'm talking about! The Hawks force a turnover, and Marvin finds Chills for an alley-oop to cut it back to 4. I want very badly for this to be a one possession game going to the 4th.
20.1 - Damn the Celtics are good. I hate to keep saying that, but they keep making plays. Mike Bibby makes a terrific play for a lay-up on one end, but Ray Allen races the other way to match it. 82-77 Celtics.
0:00 - Wow. Play of the game for the Hawks. Bibby misses a short jumper in the lane, but Chills flies in to tip it in at the buzzer to cut the lead to 82-79. The ball bounced several times on the rim before it dropped - call me crazy, but I have a feeling that tiny bit of karma will end up mattering in this game.
For all the things that feel like they haven't worked in this game, the Hawks still find themselves down by one 3-pt field goal (something they haven't made yet) going to the final 12 minutes. They deserve a TON of credit for that. It has really been a team effort so far. Last time around the Celtics led by 10 at this point, so a 3-point deficit almost feels like a lead. Let's see what happens!
