• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Hawks aim to break through vs. Celtics

Apr 26, 2008 - 2:00 PM Boston at Atlanta 8:00 pm EDT Eastern Conference first round Celtics lead, 2-0

ATLANTA (Ticker) - The eighth-seed Atlanta Hawks look to finally break through in their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.

Facing the top-seeded Celtics hasn't been an easy task for the Hawks, who have suffered double figure losses in the first two games - including Wednesday's 96-77 decision in Game Two.

"We can't put the ball in the basket," Atlanta guard Mike Bibby said. "They are making it tough for us on the strong side. We have to go back and watch film and see how they are playing us."

If the Hawks are going to have a chance in the series they need better production from Bibby and Joe Johnson, who has really struggled with his shot through the first two games.

A former Celtic, Johnson is shooting just 34 percent (11-of-33) in the series.

Bibby also needs to step up his level of performance as he has been outplayed by Boston second-year guard Rajon Rondo, who had his way against the former Arizona standout.

Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 10 boards and Ray Allen scored 15 for the Celtics, who have outscored Atlanta in each of the eight quarters in the series.

Boston has dominated the series in nearly all phases through the first two games, but Rondo feels they're just getting started.

"Playoffs, they told me, doesn't start until you win one on the road," he said. "Hopefully, we start it on Saturday."