Going into game three with the series tied at one game a piece, both the Celtics and the Hawks knew the importance of this game; however, the Celtics were able to prevail in the end, besting the Hawks 90-84 in overtime.

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics to victory with his seventh career triple-double (17 points, 12 assists, 14 rebounds). Also, contributions from Paul Pierce (21 points) and Kevin Garnett (20 points) helped in their victory.  Celtics guard Avery Bradley went down in the third quarter with a sore left shoulder and did not return.  However, Celtics fans should be pleased to see Ray Allen back on the court, scoring 13 points off the bench after missing the last 11 games due to a right ankle injury.

On the Hawks side, injuries are really hurting them in this series.  With star center Al Horford already sidelined for the season, and recent injuries to big men Zaza Pachullia and Josh Smith hurt them in the paint even further.  Despite this, former Celtic turned Atlanta star Joe Johnson led all scorers with 29 points, and point guard Jeff Teague chipped in with 23 points of his own.  In addition, the aging former star Tracy McGrady surprised many with 12 points, 10 in the first quarter, but a rolled ankle in the second quarter hurt his game even though it did not sideline him.

Game four is at seven on Sunday night, as both teams will look to gain better footing in this hard fought series.