It's 2:20 am, and I'm just finishing up postgame work from Game 3. It's late, but it doesn't feel that way - my adrenaline is still pumping.

The way the Celtics won the first two games of this series, I have to be honest, I didn't have a ton of confidence going into Saturday night. Shows me what I know. The Hawks showed tremendous heart in winning this game, basically taking everything they didn't do well earlier in the series and turning it around.

Can't shoot well? The Hawks shot 47.4% tonight, which is pretty solid when you are playing the NBA's number 1 defense.

Not getting open shots for your teammates? The Hawks had only 10 assists all game in Game 2, but had 10 on their first 11 baskets tonight on their way to 28 in the game. 4 Hawks had 6 assists or better.

Getting outrebounded? Atlanta took that title 43-35 overall and grabbed 12 on the offensive end after only 5 in Game 2.

3-pointers not falling? The Hawks were 10-18 from downtown, including 5 from Joe Johnson and 3 from Josh Smith.

Everyone contributed, but I have to go back to the guy I've been touting all season for Rookie of the Year, Al Horford. I was talking about this with someone the other day, but I continue to be amazed at how Al has become the emotional center and leader for this team (and as a rookie no less). When we drafted him out of Florida, I knew what he was capable of on the court in terms of his offense and defense. But at Florida, he was always portrayed as the quiet, steady type, content to let teammate Joakim Noah be the one to speak for the team and get them riled up. And while Al isn't exactly loquacious, he has asserted himself over the course of the season as the guy his teammates feed off of throughout the game. Tonight was as fired up as I've ever seen him, especially after his victory-sealing basket over Paul Pierce in the last minute.

If you've seen the highlights of it, you saw Horford point right at Pierce and deliver a message. It's a bit out of character for Al to gesticulate so much, but I am a believer - if he felt it was necessary, then it was worth doing.

I have been working for the Hawks for 4 seasons, and I've always wondered what it would be like to be at Philips Arena for a playoff game. Tonight was everything I hoped for and more. The crowd was into it the whole time, and every big basket just made them rowdier and rowdier. It was amazing.

All I can say is, if you weren't there tonight and have a chance to be there Monday, you have to take advantage.

Congats to the Hawks players and coaches for a huge, huge win, and let's get ready for Game 4 on Monday as we try to even this thing up at 2-2.