Celtics win slugfest in Atlanta: BOS 79 ATL 76

The Boston Celtics were locked in a back and forth, chippy, close game at the Atlanta Hawks home stadium. In the fourth quarter, a Celtic run - highlighted by two Ray Allen threes - helped Boston build a lead as high as 15. The Hawks then went on a 16-4 run down the stretch and pulled back within one with 11.8 seconds left in the game. A pair of Ray Allen free throws and a missed shot by Jeff Teague helped the Celtics hold on to a 79-76 victory.

Ray Allen led Celtics scorers with 19 points and Rajon Rondo had a double double (10 points, 13 asssists) and had six steals. Paul Pierce was in foul trouble the whole game.

Joe Johnson led his team with 25 points. Zaza Pachulia added 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The Celtics improve to 24-21 and will travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks this Thursday at 8:00pm EST.