Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks 1/25/13: Video Highlights and Recap

The Boston Celtics got off to a roaring start on Friday, but the Atlanta Hawks found life down the stretch at Philips Arena, emerging victorious in double overtime, 123-111.

The Celtics jumped off to a monumental 29-10 advantage after one quarter of play, leading at the half, 57-38. But the Hawks responded in spades in the third quarter, going on a 31-16 run to pull within four points.

It was a back-and-forth battle in the fourth quarter as the Hawks threatened to take the lead inside a minute to play. They got the final shot with the score tied, but Josh Smith was unable to convert.

Both teams wouldn't give way in overtime, either, scoring nine points apiece and sending the game into double overtime.

The Hawks not only shot 36 free throws, they also scored 24 points on 21 Boston turnovers.

Player of the Game: Al Horford, C, Atlanta Hawks

This award could also go to Kyle Korver, who posted 27 points on Friday night, but Horford posted 24 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals while going 7-of-15 from the floor and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.

The two-time All-Star posted a plus-minus of plus-28 in a game-high 51 minutes of play.

Up Next for Celtics 

Boston hosts the Miami Heat on Sunday. The Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, currently hold the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Up Next for Hawks

Atlanta visits the New York Knicks on Sunday. The Knicks are 26-14 this season, right behind the Heat in the East. Carmelo Anthony is averaging 29.1 points while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 41 percent from downtown.

What did you think of the game?