Upstart Hawks force Game 7

The Atlanta Hawks just won’t let go of their first trip to the playoffs in nine years.

The playoff team with the worst record did it again to the team with the best mark, forcing an improbable Game 7 with the Boston Celtics as Joe Johnson hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining and the Hawks held on for a 103-100 victory Friday night in Atlanta.

The Hawks, just 37-45 during the regular season, have beaten the Celtics three times in the space of a week to set up a deciding game Sunday in Boston.

Cavaliers 105, Wizards 88: At Washington, LeBron James compiled 27 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists for his third career playoff triple-double and Cleveland beat the Wizards to end their contentious series in six games.

Washington reserve forward Darius Songaila was suspended by the NBA for the game for a hit on James in Game 5.

Jazz 113, Rockets 91: At Salt Lake City, Deron Williams scored 13 of his 25 points in the decisive third quarter, and Utah beat Houston to win the series 4-2 and knock the Rockets out of the playoffs in the opening round for the second straight season. Tracy McGrady scored 40 for the Rockets.

Bryant wins MVP award

Kobe Bryant has won the NBA’s MVP award for the first time, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site, citing anonymous sources familiar with the outcome of voting by media members. The Times said commissioner David Stern will be in L.A. next week to make the presentation.

Grizzlies’ coach to return

Marc Iavaroni will return to lead the Memphis Grizzlies next season after having won only 22 games in his first stint as an NBA head coach.