• Tweet

• Tweet

“The more things change, the more they remain the same”

That analogy would certainly apply to the Boston Celtics, but with some minor differences. You have the Big Three (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen) and Rajon Rondo who have been the main reason that Boston has won 11 straight games prior to their game against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on Thursday night.

The Celtics, however, would be without the services of Rondo, who is out with a sprained left ankle. Nate Robinson would take his place and do well for himself as he scored 14. Three Celtics players would score double-doubles as Boston had their way with and easily defeated Atlanta 102-90.

Turnovers hurt the Hawks as they turned the ball over 18 times, with the Celtics capitalizing on those gifts.

The first half was slow-paced, as expected. Boston would take a 22-20 lead going into the second quarter and Atlanta would narrow their deficit to one as both teams entered their respective locker rooms at the break.

The Celtics would lead by six entering the final 12 minutes, but the Hawks would close to within 77-75 on a Jeff Teague runner in the lane. Boston would thenreel off seven straight points, with baskets by Glen Davis and Semih Erden along with a 3-pointer by Pierce with just under 8 minutes remaining in the game.

Atlanta reduced their deficit to 84-78 on a Damien Wilkins free throw, but Pierce hit a pair of free throws and Robinson connected on a trey, helping the Celtics pull away at 100-86 with just 1:53 left to go.

Six Boston players scored in double-digits, led by the duo of Allen and Davis with 18 apiece – with Allen grabbing 2 boards, dishing out 6 assists along with 4 steals while Davis grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 2 assists. Garnett also notched a double-double, scoring 17 with 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Pierce chipped in 15 with 5 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal.

Atlanta was led by Marvin Williams with a game-high 26 points, 5 rebounds, an assist and a block while Teague came off the bench to add 18 with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Boston (21-4) plays again on Sunday when they host the Indiana Pacers Sunday afternoon while Atlanta (16-11) returns home to host the Charlotte Bobcats Friday night.