Celtics 88, Hawks 86 (OT)
CELTICS 88, HAWKS 86 (OT): Rajon Rondo posted his sixth triple-double of the season and Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass added doubles-doubles to lift host Boston to its fourth straight win.
Rondo secured double-digit assists for the 19th straight game, extending the NBA's longest such streak in 20 years with a 10-point, 10-rebound and 20-assist effort.
Garnett and Bass wreaked havoc inside and outmuscled the frontcourt duo of Josh Smith and Zaza Pachulia. Garnett scored 22 points and hauled in 12 boards before fouling out in overtime. Bass also had a strong effort, dropping 21 points and collecting 10 rebounds.
With the game tied 84-84, Garnett missed a fadeaway jumper with 5.8 seconds remaining to give the Hawks the chance to take the lead, but Jannero Pargo couldn’t convert on a mid-range jumper at the buzzer.
Bass and Paul Pierce hit jumpers to give Boston an 88-84 advantage in the extra frame. Smith, who had 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks, couldn’t convert on 3-pointer with just seconds remaining that would have given Atlanta the victory.
Celtics guard Ray Allen didn’t suit up after he experienced additional swelling and pain in his right ankle, the same injury which forced him to miss six games two weeks ago.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Boston reserve swingman Mickael Pietrus returned to score eight points after suffering a concussion against Philadelphia last month. … The Celtics outrebounded the Hawks 56-39. … Boston was playing the second of a back-to-back.