The Atlanta Hawks opened up a 19-point lead against the reeling Boston Celtics in the second quarter, but it was all for naught as Boston rallied to an 89-81 win Saturday at Philips Arena for a rare road win.
The Celtics clamped down on their perimeter defense and opened the third quarter with a 14-1 run to get back in the game. They took the lead on a Jared Sullinger alley-oop as the Hawks made only two of 14 field goals during the third period.
Rajon Rondo finished with a triple-double, posting 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Paul Pierce led Boston in scoring with 26 points, including 17 in the third quarter. The Celtics moved to 6-11 on the road this year and within one game of .500 on the season, to 16-17.
For the Hawks, Lou Williams shouldered the load early, scoring 21 of his team-high 28 points in the first half. Unfortunately, the team shut down late, scoring only 28 total points in the second half. The shooting woes were widespread, hitting Josh Smith (4 of 18 for the game, six turnovers), Al Horford (2 for 8), and Kyle Korver (3 for 9, fouled out) equally.
The Hawks fell to 11-6 at home, and remain in third place in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games behind Miami.
The Hawks will next face the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Tuesday, January 8
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