Larry Drew will return for a third season as head coach of the Hawks.

“We feel Larry’s experience, expertise and dedication to the game were a key ingredient to our success,” general manager Rick Sund said in a statement released by the team.

Drew will enter the final year of his contract next season.

“You can look at it one of two ways,” Drew said. “It is the perfect situation? No. But at this point I’ve had a lot of dialogue about the situation with my representative. At this point, we are going to move forward.”

Kevin Garnett scored a game-high 28 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, blocked five shots, and recorded three steals in Boston’s 83-80 Game 6 elimination of Atlanta.

Garnett opened his postgame press conference by taking aim at Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr., who had called Garnett a "dirty player" earlier in the week.

“First off, I want to say thank you to the owner for giving me some extra gas tonight,” Garnett said. “My only advice to him is next time he opens his mouth, actually know what he’s talking about — X’s and O’s versus checkbooks and bottom lines.

“We’re not dirty. We’re firm, we play aggressive, but we’re not dirty. You have to understand the word ‘dirty’ in this game is very defined: Trying to hurt guys, ill intent. That’s not how we play basketball. We play very, very respectable to the opponent, to the city. I play with a lot of passion and with force. It’s the playoffs. I haven’t been here trying to hurt anybody, and neither have my teammates. I found that comment to be a little rude and out of hand, and I wanted to address it.

“Just because you’ve got a bunch of money doesn’t mean you can open your mouth.”

Joe Johnson attempted just eight shots in Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Celtics.

“I don’t think they are doing anything different defensively on me,” Johnson said. “I think it’s just basically getting an opportunity to touch the ball. That’s it.”

When asked if he was not happy with his touches, Johnson answered with a simple, but emphatic, “No.”

Larry Drew said that Johnson must play a more active role in the offense.

“We run a lot of things through [Johnson],” Drew said. “He’s got to be more aggressive in working to get his shots and we have to be mindful when he hasn’t had a shot in one or two trips down the floor, we’ve got to get him the ball.”

Josh Smith's knee didn't feel healthy enough for him to play in Game 3 when it was tested on Friday morning.

Smith said he could possibly play in Game 4 if it continues to improve like it did between Game 2 and Game 3.

Josh Smith will miss Game 3 due to soreness in his left knee, according to a source.

Smith sustained the injury during Atlanta's Game 2 loss.

Whether or not Josh Smith plays in Game 3 will be made solely by him, according to Larry Drew.

Smith has yet to practice since his injuring his left knee in Game 2 on Tuesday.

“He’s going to put the pressure on me, like that?’’ Smith said. “If it feels good, I’m going to go. I’m not one to harness injuries. I have a high threshold for pain. If I feel like I can go a little bit, I’m going to be able to step out on the court.’’

Smith hadn't run or tested the knee as of Thursday morning.

Josh Smith's Game 2 injury has been ruled a strained left tendon.

Smith's status is currently listed as day-to-day.

Josh Smith has a sprained patella ligament in his knee, according to a source.

Smith will have an MRI on Wednesday.

The Hawks and Celtics are even at one game apiece in their first round series.

Rajon Rondo was ejected from Game 1 and may be suspended from Game 2 after bumping referee Marc Davis.

Rond's ejection came with 41 seconds remaining in Boston's 83-74 loss to the Hawks.

“Obviously I was upset about the call and I said some words to Marc,” Rondo said. “I deserved the first tech, and as I was walking I thought he stopped, my momentum carried me into him – I even think I tripped on his foot. I didn’t intentionally chest-bump him. But that’s what it appears to be.”

Al Horford does not expect to return for the playoffs.

Horford has been out with a pectoral injury.

"I don't feel like it is realistic that I can play for the playoffs," Horford said. "Obviously, if we advance and start going we will see. But as of right now the way I feel I think I am out for the playoffs."