Sat Apr 26 23:27:59 2008

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Smith, Johnson help Hawks top Celtics in Game 3

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Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Josh Smith poured in 27 points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out six assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a surprising 102-93 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

The Celtics still lead the series, 2-1, but the Hawks will try to improbably tie the series with the East's top seed in Game 4 on Monday at Philips Arena.

Joe Johnson drilled five three-pointers for 23 points to go with seven boards and six assists for Atlanta, which was hosting its first playoff game since 1999. Al Horford recorded 17 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, as the Hawks' starting five all finished in double figures.

Mike Bibby, who struggled mightily in the first two matchups of the series, added 12 points and eight assists for the victors.

Kevin Garnett logged 32 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who won the first two games by a combined 42 points. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen scored 17 and 13, respectively, but combined to shoot just 10-of-27 from the field.

Boston's bench, which had played well in the first two games, netted just 11 total points.

Atlanta used the three-pointer to pull away late in the game, connecting on 10-of-18 from behind the arc in the victory.