Atlanta Hawks dominate Orlando Magic 88-84, for 2-1 series lead: NBA Play-off Recap
Jamal Crawford posted 23 points and nailed a three-pointer in the final minute of the fourth quarter, as the Atlanta Hawks held off the Orlando Magic 88-84, to take a 2-1 lead in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference play-off series on Friday night.
“I didn’t call bank. I think the bank’s closed right now,” said Crawford, who tallied 12 of his 23 points in the final quarter.
Joe Johnson tallied 21 points and Josh Smith led the Hawks with 15 points and 10 boards. Al Horford added 13 points for the victors.
Atlanta's Coach Larry Drew said, "We thought that coming into the contest that they were going to give us their best shot, and I thought they did."
Dwight Howard scored 21 points and 15 boards for Orlando, while Jameer Nelson ended with 13 points and 10 assists.
The play was marred when there occurred an altercation between Orlando guard Jason Richardson and Atlanta centre Zaza Pachulia with less than three minutes to play that led to the suspension of both players for Game 4 Sunday night in Atlanta.
Pachulia, who had a pair of scratches on his right arm, said after the game, “In that situation, I’m never going to back down. That’s just my personality.”
Atlanta dominated most of the game. The Hawks got the scoring started with a 9-2 run and maintained the lead until the Magic capped the opening period with a 10-3 run to even the game at 25-25, heading into the second quarter.
The Hawks used an 11-1 surge to take their largest lead of the play, going ahead 47-33 on Kirk Hinrich's fadeaway jumper with less than three minutes left in the second period.
The Hawks headed into the halftime break, leading 51-42. They carried a 66-62 advantage into the final quarter.
Quentin Richardson knocked down a 3-pointer just less than two minutes into the fourth quarter. Atlanta then collected 10 straight points to take a 79-71 advantage midway through the final quarter.
Howard knocked down 1-of-2 free throws to pull Orlando within 81-80. Nelson then drilled a jumper from the right side to give the Magic an 82-81 lead. It was Orlando’s first lead since early in the final quarter.
Johnson hit a pair of free throws to put the Hawks back on top, but the Magic made it 84-83 with Brandon Bass’ Jumper with less than two minutes to play. They were Magic’s final points of the contest.
The Hawks went ahead 85-84 on Horford's jump shot. Crawford then sealed the victory with a three-point play. He put up a three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Nelson that gave the Hawks an 88-84 lead with less than a minute remaining in the final quarter.
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