Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Celtics tie series with overtime win despite huge game from Paul Millsap

Atlanta Hawks v Boston Celtics - Game Three

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Paul Millsap #4 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 22, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Hawks 111-103. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks got a career night from Paul Millsap, but it didn’t matter. Millsap’s 45 points and 13 rebounds were not enough to outlast the Celtics, who took Game 4 of their first-round series, 104-95, with an overtime victory that tied the series at two games apiece heading back to Atlanta.

The final possession of regulation, with the score tied at 92, more or less summed up the Hawks’ night. Jeff Teague held the ball at the top of the key for the entire possession, then didn’t manage to get a shot off as time expired, after Isaiah Thomas knocked the ball away from him.

Hawks players besides Millsap could not make a shot all night:

Playing after a controversial non-suspension for his hit on Dennis Schroder in Game 3, Thomas was crucial to the Celtics’ comeback, finishing the night with 28 points. Marcus Smart added 20 off the bench.

Kelly Olynyk, who missed the last two games after suffering a shoulder injury in Game 1, returned for the Celtics, but played just four minutes.

Out of all the first-round series, this is the one that is the most up in the air. On paper, the Hawks have more talent. But Boston’s execution has been more consistent thus far, even with their best perimeter defender, Avery Bradley, likely sidelined for the whole series.

The series heads back to Atlanta for Game 5 on Tuesday.