Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Hawks Force Celtics to Game 7

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

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2008 11:21 PM CDT
Email

(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.

"Seven! Seven! Seven!" chanted the Philips Arena crowd. Marvin Williams led the Hawks with 18 points despite missing much of the fourth quarter with a sprained left knee. Kevin Garnett had 22 for the Celtics and Ray Allen added 20, but Paul Pierce - the other member of Boston's Big Three - fouled out on a disputed call in the fourth quarter.

Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams (24) celebrates as Boston Celtics forward James Posey (41) and Celtics guard Rajon Rondo leave the court after the Hawks won Game 6 Friday in Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams (24) celebrates as Boston Celtics forward James Posey (41) and Celtics guard Rajon Rondo leave the court after the Hawks won Game 6 Friday in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins (43) and forward Paul Pierce (34) look on during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Hawks on Friday, May 2, 2008.
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins (43) and forward Paul Pierce (34) look on during the fourth quarter of Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Hawks on Friday, May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks Joe Johnson, left, drives as Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins (43) defends during the first quarter of Game 6 in their first-round playoff series Friday, May 2, 2008 in Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks Joe Johnson, left, drives as Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins (43) defends during the first quarter of Game 6 in their first-round playoff series Friday, May 2, 2008 in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Box score
Associated Press

 
NBA • basketball • Kevin Garnett • Ray Allen • Boston Celtics • Paul Pierce • Atlanta Hawks • Joe Johnson • Marvin Williams • 2008 NBA playoffs

More Newser Stories

LeBron Sweepstakes Begins

Lakers Win NBA Finals

Pierce: US Basketball Needs Win Worse Than Celtics Did

Finding Meaning in the Death of Len Bias

Celtics Win Ripples Across Globe
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne