Get Your Brooms Out, Atlanta Sweeps Boston

Atlanta, GA–Both Boston and Atlanta came into the game on a tough loss, and both teams were looking to stick it to the other team. Atlanta was in a situation still very new; they were playing for 2nd place in the East. Boston was also in a very odd position, playing to keep from getting swept by the Hawks.

The first quarter was very close with both teams trying to keep pace with the other. Boston took an early lead, trying to quiet Phillips Arena early. But, this is not the same Hawks team from last year.  They made a come back late in the first to tie it up. Right before the end of the first, Crawford made an amazing 45 foot three-point jump shot to give Atlanta a 23-22 lead.

Something must have happened during the TV break because Atlanta broke out in the second. Early in the second, Atlanta went on a 16-6 run to put them at a 39-28 lead in the mid-second. Both teams continued to battle it out and the Hawks kept a nice lead into the half with a score of 53-41.

The third part of this series' final game was Boston's best taking it 32-21. Boston went on a big 12-4 lead in the late third quarter to get the score real close. The score was a very small 74-73 Hawks lead and gave Atlanta a big scare.

The Hawks closed out the fourth quarter nicely, holding Boston to only 18 points in the final quarter. The Hawks won with a final score of 100-91.  This was Atlanta's first sweep over Boston in 11 years.  

Expect Atlanta to be partying no matter how bad the weather gets tonight.   

Paul Peirce scored 35 points, Kevin Garnett scored 15 points, and Ray Allen was held to nine points. Jamal Crawford led the Hawks with 28 points, and Joe Johnson right behind him with 27 points. Josh Smith had a better game with 12 points and Al Hoford gained 11 points.

Atlanta will play at Orlando tomorrow, at the Thunder on Tuesday, and get an easy home game vs. the Clippers on Wednesday.

Boston will host the Lakers on Sunday and will get two easy games at Washington and Miami at home.