Celtics Vs. Hawks: Boston Drops Atlanta, 102-90

It’s understandable that sometimes sports networks might try to manufacture a rivalry between two NBA teams. And frankly, even if they may exaggerate the connections in some cases, it’s still fun to pretend there’s something bigger on the line. Then again, I can see why Celtics fans might get a little annoyed with this phenomenon.

Wednesday night, they’re it’s Boston versus their hated-Knicks rivals. Thursday, they’ve got a showdown with the “rival” Atlanta Hawks. ... Huh?

Garnett picked up his double double early in the third quarter, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Davis, coming off the bench, had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Pierce went against the grain, using assists to round out his double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.

Rondo rolled his left ankle last night in the fourth quarter of a dramatic win over the New York Knicks. The Boston Globe reports that Rondo vowed to play against the Hawks, but the Celtics’ medical staff could hold him out. The star point guard reportedly left Madison Square Garden on crutches Wednesday night. Rondo did come back into the game shortly after rolling his ankle, and scored a late bucket off dribble penetration.

For more on the Celtics, join CelticsBlog and SBNation Boston. For more on the Hawks, join Peachtree Hoops and SBNation Atlanta.