Celtics’ Thomas sinks Hawks in Horford’s return to Atlanta

LOS ANGELES, USA – Boston guard Isaiah Thomas drained the game-winner in the waning seconds Friday, January 13 (Saturday in Manila) to make first-year Celtics teammate Al Horford victorious in his return to Atlanta.

The Celtics triumphed 103-101, snapping the Hawks’ 7-game winning streak.

Thomas sealed the win with a step-back jump shot with two seconds left, scoring 13 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter.

The Hawks had erased a 16-point deficit in the final period, tying the score on a three-pointer by Paul Millsap with 25.6 seconds to play.

But the Celtics got the ball to Thomas for the final shot, and he didn’t disappoint.

“Isaiah saved the day,” said Horford, who left Atlanta to sign with the Celtics as a free agent in the off-season.

The Celtics, winners of 6 of 7 games, made 17 three-pointers.

Kelly Olynyk provided a spark off the bench with a season-high 26 points.

“We really wanted to dig this on out for Al,” Olynyk said. “He deserved it and I’m glad we could get it for him.”

Millsap and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 23 points apiece to lead the Hawks, with Hardaway scoring 15 of his in the fourth quarter.

Horford had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in his first game against his former team.

He received boos as well as cheers during pre-game introductions, but received a standing ovation after a video tribute between the first and second quarters recalling his nine seasons in Atlanta.

“It is what it is,” Horford said of the mixed reaction. “I know a lot fans appreciated my time here and I appreciate them.” – Rappler.com