Hawks return to NBA playoffs for first time since '98-'99
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 2:50 p.m.
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ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Hawks haven't been to the postseason since the days of Mookie Blaylock and Dikembe Mutombo. But they might not be around for long.
The Boston Celtics are looming in the first round, presenting a big challenge for a team that has not been to the postseason since 1999. The Hawks clinched the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference when the Indiana Pacers lost at Washington 117-110 last night. Atlanta was off and plays Orlando tonight in its next-to-last game of the regular season. The Hawks' last playoff appearance was during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season. The team finished second in the Central Division and defeated Detroit in the opening round. But they were swept in four straight games by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Hawks will be huge underdogs in the opening round against Boston. The Celtics have the league's best record and kept Atlanta from clinching a playoff berth at home over the weekend, beating the Hawks 99-89.
(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
