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Celtics Prevent Hawks From Clinching

Cassell, Boston keep Atlanta from reaching playoffs for first time since 1999

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Apr 12, 2008 9:43 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Sam Cassell and Boston's backups outplayed Atlanta's starters in the fourth quarter, and the Celtics prevented the Hawks from clinching their first playoff berth since 1999 with a 99-89 victory tonight. Atlanta would have ended the NBA's longest playoff drought with a victory, because Indiana lost to Charlotte earlier today. The Hawks remained two games ahead of the Pacers with two to play.

The Hawks led 84-78 after two 3-pointers by Mike Bibby, but Cassell scored 20 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, as the Celtics outscored the Hawks 21-5 down the stretch. Kevin Garnett sat out the fourth quarter but led Boston with 24 points. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen each had 14. Joe Johnson scored 21 and Josh Smith and Al Horford each had 17 for Atlanta.

Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) takes a shot against Boston Celtics center P.J. Brown, right, tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The Celtics won 99-89.
Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) takes a shot against Boston Celtics center P.J. Brown, right, tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The Celtics won 99-89.   (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Boston Celtics guard Sam Cassell (28) takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams, left, tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The Celtics won 99-89.
Boston Celtics guard Sam Cassell (28) takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams, left, tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The Celtics won 99-89.   (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) takes a shot against Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) takes a shot against Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, right, takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith, center, tonight. Garnett lead his team with 24 points for the night as the Celtics won 99-89.
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, right, takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith, center, tonight. Garnett lead his team with 24 points for the night as the Celtics won 99-89.   (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) tonight at Philips Arena in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
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NBA • basketball • Kevin Garnett • Ray Allen • Boston Celtics • Paul Pierce • Atlanta Hawks • Josh Smith • Sam Cassell • Al Horford • Joe Johnson • Mike Bibby

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