Around the NBA

Last nights NBA Schedule featured some great games as well as some stand out outings from some of the NBA's best. 

Celtics 103, Hawks 102: The surprising Hawks were undefeated going into last nights playoff rematch with the Boston Celtics, who were 7-1. Just like last years surprising 4-3 playoff win by the Celtics, the Hawks gave the Celtics all they could handle last night. Joe Johnson carried the Hawks, netting 28 points, including key buckets down the stretch. Marvin Williams hit a 3 pointer wit 7 seconds left to put the Hawks up 102-101. But Paul Pierce, NBA Finals MVP last season, nailed the game winning jumper with Al Horford all over him as the clock expired. Pierce finished with 34 points, and Kevin Garnett tailed 25 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hawks, after years of top 3 lottery picks, are finally putting all of that young talent together. The steady hand of veteran point guard Mike Bibby, averaging 15 points and 6 assists, has the Hawks thinking about more then just a playoff apperance this season. 

Lakers 93, Hornets 86: In a possible Western Conference Finals preview, the Lakers visited the Hornets last night, putting their undefeated record on the line. For a while, it looked like the Lakers would run the Hornets out of the gym, at one point leading by 23 points. 

But Chris Paul brought the Hornets back, behind his 30 point, 13 assist, 7 rebound night. The Hornets managed to bring the score to 83-80, but in the end, Kobe Bryant was to much for the Hornets to handle. Bryant nailed a 3 on the trip down the floor, finishing with 20 points and 6 assists. 

Dwight Howard Gets First Triple Double: Dwight Howard recorded his first career triple double, finishing with 30 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 blocks. Howard is having a monster year, averaging 24 points and 15 rebounds. If he continues to be such a dominate inside presence, the Magic will be a hard out come playoff time.