Allen, Garnett Lead Celtics to Win Over Hawks

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

(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. More»

Boston earns date with LeBron, Cleveland in the second round

(NEWSER) - Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 22 points, and the Celtics turned back the pesky Atlanta Hawks with a 99-65 victory Sunday in Game 7 of their playoff series, earning a second-round matchup with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Round 2 begins Tuesday night, and the Boston fans are ready. More»

Joe Johnson's three-pointer with a minute remaining holds up

(NEWSER) - Atlanta just won't let go of its first trip to the postseason in nine years. The playoff team with the worst record did it again to the team with the best mark, forcing an improbable Game 7 with the Boston Celtics, as Joe Johnson hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining and the Hawks held on for a 103-100 victory Friday. More»

(NEWSER) - Takedowns and menacing gestures. Double technicals and flagrant fouls. And the Boston Celtics are heading to Atlanta to try to deliver the knockout punch. Paul Pierce scored a playoff-high 22 points and Ray Allen hit three 3-pointers in the middle of the third quarter Wednesday night to turn back the Hawks' last charge, leading Boston to a hard-fought 110-85 victory over Atlanta More»

Boston holds 2-0 series lead

(NEWSER) - Rajon Rondo outplayed Mike Bibby and helped the Boston Celtics silence Atlanta and its blustery point guard. Bibby was booed every time he touched the ball after shooting 4-for-17 from the field in the first two games. Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Rondo added 12 points, eight assists, and six rebounds as Boston bested Atlanta last night, 96-77. More»