Hawks vs. Celtics: Game 3 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 90-84, in overtime Friday night to take a 2-1 series lead after an exciting night of basketball in Boston.

Celtics star Rajon Rondo proved why he is arguably the best point guard in the NBA with the seventh playoff triple-double of his career.

It was the first overtime game of the series, and now the Celtics have a chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead if they win Game 4 in Boston on Sunday night.

The Hawks really missed star forward Josh Smith, who did not play in Game 3 because of a knee injury. Atlanta will need Smith in Game 4 because their offense is far less dangerous without his scoring.

Celtics guard Avery Bradley injured his shoulder in the second half, and he did not come back to the game. Ray Allen, who came back from an injury to play in his first game of the playoffs, battled through 37 minutes on Friday night.

Let's look at a complete recap of Game 3.

Best Tweets

The Celtics tweeted an awesome picture of Ray Allen before Game 3.

"

Ray Allen during warmups. He returns to the lineup tonight. instagr.am/p/KONz2BGwTy/

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 4, 2012"

Only LeBron James and Jason Kidd have more playoff triple-doubles among active players than Rajon Rondo.

"

Rajon Rondo: 7th career playoff triple-double. Tied with LeBron James for 2nd-most among active players (Jason Kidd- 11).

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 5, 2012"

Jenni Carlson of NewsOK.com asks an interesting question regarding Hawks guard Tracy McGrady.

"

Bigger surprise: Tracy McGrady is carrying the Hawks or the fact that Tracy McGrady is still playing in the NBA?

— Jenni Carlson (@JenniCarlson_OK) May 5, 2012"

Former Duke guard Austin Rivers, son of Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, was impressed by the Garden crowd in Game 3.

"

The atmosphere at this Celtics vs hawks game is electric...!

— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) May 4, 2012"

Must-See Highlights

Celtics forward Kevin Garnett ended the game with a putback dunk late in overtime.

Tracy McGrady spins to the basket and dunks with authority, just like he did before the injuries that derailed his career.

Grades for Key Celtics Players

Rajon Rondo: A

Rajon Rondo returned to the series after being suspended for Game 2 and responded in a major way by earning a triple-double with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.

It was Rondo's seventh career triple-double, and the 20th of his NBA career.

The Celtics point guard led the Boston offense to a strong fourth-quarter run that pretty much ended any hope of the Hawks winning the game.

Rondo also added four steals and committed six turnovers Friday night.

Paul Pierce: B

After an amazing Game 2 performance, Paul Pierce continued to lead the Celtics offense with a team-high 21 points in Game 3.

Pierce shot just 3-of-12 from the floor, but did a nice job of drawing fouls, and hit all 14 of his attempts from the free-throw line.

Grades for Key Hawks Players

Joe Johnson: B

Johnson only shot 11-of-28 from the floor, but did score 29 for the Hawks. With Josh Smith and Al Horford not playing because of injuries, the Hawks needed Johnson to lead the team offensively.

He got hot late in the fourth quarter to help the Hawks tie the game at 80 with under a minute left,

Jeff Teague: A

The young Atlanta Hawks point guard was phenomenal in Game 3, and showed that he is capable of being a starting floor general on a playoff-caliber team.

Teague scored 23 points and added six assists Friday night, and was also impressive defensively with two blocks.

Teague has given the Celtics problems throughout the series with his speed and shooting, and for the Hawks to tie the series on Sunday, Teague needs another big game.

Deciding Factor: Scoring from Starters

The Celtics starters outscored the Hawks starters, 71-59. Atlanta starters Kirk Hinrich, Marvin Williams and Jason Collins scored a combined seven points.

Game MVP: Rajon Rondo

Rondo did a little of everything tonight for the Celtics. In addition to his triple-double, Rondo did a nice job on defense.

He also had a game-high 14 rebounds, and was the most effective player throughout the game.

What's Next?

Game 4 of the series is Sunday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston.

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Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter.