Dwight Howard started to get going in the third quarter and the Orlando Magic got back into the game.
Howard scored 13 of his 18 points in the third frame as the Magic closed the gap, but the Atlanta Hawks will go into the fourth quarter with a 66-61 lead in Game 4 of the best-of-seven series at Philips Arena on Sunday.
Jamal Crawford posted 20 points and Al Horford and Kirk Hinrich had 12 each for Atlanta, which shot 50-percent (28-for-56) through three frames.
If the Magic come back in this one, they will have to thank Howard and former Hawks-killer Gilbert Arenas. "Agent Zero," who sat for Game 3 on Friday night here, has 11 points through the first 36 minutes. They will also stage a comeback without much of a perimeter game. Orlando has connected on just 1-of-18 from behind the arc in this one.
Atlanta has dominated this game in every facet but turnovers (13) and getting to the free-throw line. The Hawks are just 5-for-10 from the charity stripe, while the Magic got to the line 23 times and converted 18 free throws. Even Howard has fared well from the line, converting at an 80-percent (8-for-10) clip.
Joe Johnson has 10 points and Josh Smith netted six points, grabbed nine boards and dished five assists for Atlanta, which has 18 helpers on 28 field goals.