When the Celtics dropped Game 3 on the road, I thought they were simply being generous, letting the Hawks get their token playoff win at home. But then something funny happened: they went and dropped Game 4, as well, letting the Hawks tie up the series 2-2.
Now, conventional wisdom suggests this is probably a fluke (though it wasn't wholly unpredicted). I mean, Boston won 66 games for a reason, right? But there's just something exciting about watching these Hawks. They're not afraid of the Celtics at all. Al Horford showed it in Game 3 by taunting Paul Pierce and Zaza Pachulia proved it again tonight by going forehead to forehead with Kevin Garnett after taking offense to KG's wayward elbow. (More on that later.)
Plus, it's not like the Hawks don't have talent. Josh Smith was unstoppable for the second night in a row with 28 points and seven blocks, and Joe Johnson lived up to his max contract with 35 points, including 20 in the fourth. With all of Boston's experience, you'd think the fourth quarter would be where they clamp down and impose their will; instead, Smith and Johnson scored all of Atlanta's 32 points in the fourth while Boston managed just 17.
If you're a Hawks fan (and I guarantee they have more right now than they did four hours ago), you can be content knowing your team has won two in a row and stolen all the momentum in this series. If you're a Boston fan, (in addition to empathizing with Pistons fans) you can sit back and remind yourself that this isn't really a series until the C's lose a game at home. But still, this series is guaranteed to go at least six games, which absolutely nobody was expecting.
Previously on FanHouse:
Hawks Fight on ... With Their Mouths!
NBA Fines Paul Pierce for 'Menacing Gesture'
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Seriously, are we in some bizarro parallel universe? The Hawks are tied with the Celtics as well as the Sixers with the Pistons, there are gang signs and rap wars, the Suns are almost out, the entire Mavs team is getting beaten by a point guard and two players who have committed Flagrant 2's haven't been suspended by Stern. This has to be the weirdest playoffs I have ever seen.
Posted at 12:22AM on Apr 29th 2008 by anny
2. For a typical Atlanan, not caring about the Hawks, getting Bibby was one hell of a good trade. I couldn't believe what I saw tonight. Can't imagine what the Hawks would do with a new and competent coach.
Posted at 12:24AM on Apr 29th 2008 by Spoonman
3. KG needs to be suspended. Following video at :15...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKsS-3j9sfg
HE PUSHED A REF. Sit him down for Wednesday Stern.
Posted at 12:26AM on Apr 29th 2008 by George
4. KG always pumpin his chest but if a kid( Al Horford) a rookie get on the face of Pierce ( a gansta)then the media has double standard ;
The Fact is that mighty Boston with a bunch of old players that most of them did not win anything yet ( Cassell and Posey only) are getting upset with a very young Atlanta team .
Posted at 6:49AM on Apr 29th 2008 by frank