The Atlanta Hawks dug themselves out of a big hole in the fourth quarter but their comeback bid fell just short as they fall 79-76 to the Boston Celtics.
Atlanta entered the fourth quarter with the lead but quickly fell apart. A Boston run put the Celtics up by as many as 15 points in the fourth. The Hawks trailed 75-60 with 2:57 remaining before unleashing their own 16-4 run to close out the game. However, it wasn't enough as Jeff Teague's game-tying attempt was way off preserving the win for the Celtics.
Joe Johnson scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter but couldn't get his hands on the ball for the final shot. Zaza Pachulia finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds while battling the Celtics' front line the entire night. Pachulia left the game late in the third quarter but later returned with stitches in his head after taking an elbow.
Josh Smith once again did a little bit of everything finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists but was just 5-20 from the floor.
Ray Allen led the way for the Celtics with 19 points while Kevin Garnett finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. Paul Pierce added 13 and Rajon Rondo finished with 10 points, 13 assists and six steals.
For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops and Celtics fans should visit CelticsBlog. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.