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Evan Turner Hits the Game-Winner for the Celtics Against the Hawks (Video)

By Luke Dahlgren

Oct 16, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) acknowledges his old Philadelphia 76ers team during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) acknowledges his old Philadelphia 76ers team during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evan Turner’s game winning runner gives the Eastern Conference leader Atlanta Hawks their third loss in six games.

18. 88. 125. Final. 89

Down one point against the best team in the NBA with precious seconds ticking away, the Boston Celtics did what any logical team would do in their position: they turned to Evan Turner.

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Offering up the ball like a prayer to the basketball gods for a blessing, Turner lofted his shot over the outstretched arms of Atlanta Hawks defenders safely into the loving embrace of the net. Above the roar of the crowd could be heard the sounds of Tommy Heinsohn weeping tears of joy.

The runner put the game away with 0.2 seconds remaining, giving the Celtics an 89-88 victory in front of their home crowd in Boston. The win was aided by a 17-point, 15-rebound performance out of center Jared Sullinger.

The loss continues a disappointing stretch for the Hawks that hasn’t seen the team play with the same consistency from earlier this season.

From NBA.com:

"“I think we lost some of our discipline, some of the things that we emphasize and do every day,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “But I think you always give your opponent credit. There’s a reason why we weren’t as disciplined and as good as we need to be.”"

The win pushes Boston closer to an 8th seed in the playoffs; a 20-31 the Celtics have the 10th best record in the Eastern Conference but are still just a game and a half behind the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets who are both currently tied at 7th in the conference.

The Celtics’ dream of appearing on NBA TV in front of hundreds of viewers for the first round remains very much alive.

The team they would likely play as an 8th seed is the Atlanta Hawks. After going on a team-record 19-game winning streak, Atlanta has now lost three of its last six games.

One of the wins was against the Golden State Warriors, the Hawks’ rival for best team of the regular season, but the Hawks have still slowed down from its torrid pace from earlier. The pace was virtually impossible to maintain, however, so fans of the Hawks have little to worry about.

Atlanta will be continuing their difficult stretch after the All-Star break a game against the Toronto Raptors on February 20.

[H/T: NBA.com]

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