The Atlanta Hawks registered a stunning comeback to win against defeat the Eastern Conference leaders Boston Celtics 120-118 on Monday despite a 30-point deficit.
Boston, who had already clinched the Eastern Conference's top seed, were on track for a convincing win after outscoring Atlanta 44-22 in the first quarter.
The Celtics raced to a 30-point lead halfway through the second quarter before Atlanta started to make a comeback.
The Hawks reduced the gap further with a 34-22 third quarter before completing the dramatic win in the fourth quarter.
De'Andre Hunter top-scored for the Hawks with 24 points, including a decisive three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining that gave Atlanta a four-point lead and ensured that the game was safe.
Bogdan Bogdanovic notched up 22 points while Dejounte Murray finished with 19 points, 15 assists and five rebounds.
"Tonight the way we started the game, and the way Boston started, their energy really gave us a lift," Hawks coach Quin Snyder said of the Atlanta fans.
"Anytime you're down that much you have to have something out of the ordinary a little bit to get back in the game.
"And when you have a group of people you know who are behind you thick or thin, rain or shine -- and there was a lot of rain early -- they were a big part of helping the sun come out tonight."
Atlanta improved to 32-39 and are still in 10th position in the East, on track for a spot in the play-in tournament.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said that Atlanta's physicality troubled his team in the second half.
"It's a good lesson," Mazzulla said. "Credit to them for battling back.
"I thought their physicality -- they were extremely physical as soon as the ball got past half-court. I thought that messed up our offense, and they made us work for everything."
