Johnson, Hawks Surprise Celtics Again 97-92

All-star scores 35 as series returns to Boston tied 2-2
By Doug Sweeney,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 28, 2008 11:30 PM CDT
Johnson, Hawks Surprise Celtics Again 97-92
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks guard Josh Childress (1) during the third quarter of Game 4 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series Monday, April 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Forget about a Boston sweep. The Hawks are headed back to Beantown all tied up with the mighty Celtics. Joe Johnson scored 35 points—20 in the fourth quarter—and Josh Smith added 28 points and seven blocks for Atlanta, which surprised the Celtics again 97-92 on Monday night to even the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

A Game 5 that many never expected to happen is now on, Wednesday night in Boston. The Hawks, who had the worst record (37-45) of any playoff team, overcame two double-digit deficits to beat a team that won an NBA-leading 66 games during the regular season. The credit for this Atlanta stunner goes largely to Johnson, who took control in the final quarter. (More basketball stories.)

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