There was a familiar feeling in the third quarter on  Tuesday night as the Hawks looked like letting their lead slip. The Celtics scored the last 10 points of the quarter to bring the deficit down to just 2 points, the same as they had done in game 2. It was Al Horford who secured the win by making it 87 – 83 with just over a minute left. Rondo and Pierce all tried in vain to secure the win they vitally needed for the the series to be over.

Al Horford: “I was tired a little bit, but right now I feel fine. Maybe it’s the adrenaline . . . and (Wednesday) it will be a different story. You’re fighting for your life out there. I wanted to bring energy to the team tonight. Our backs are against the wall. [On the last play] the whole thing was to make [Rondo] pass the ball; I crowded him [toward the sideline] as much as I could, and Josh made a great play to get the deflection.”

Rajon Rondo on AL Horford: “I tried to make a play, but got caught on the [sideline]. Give Al credit . . . Al makes a big difference. He can guard anybody on the court.”