Hawks fall to Boston 98-88

BOSTON -- Paul Pierce scored 30 points and Kevin Garnett added 20 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics to their fifth consecutive win, 98-88 over Atlanta.

Ray Allen scored 17 for the Celtics. Kendrick Perkins had 11 points and a season-high 12 rebounds to go with a career-high six assists. Point guard Rajon Rondo had six points and eight assists one day before the Celtics are expected to bring in backup Sam Cassell, who was waived last week by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Josh Smith scored 20 points for Atlanta.