Celtics down Hawks to extend winning streak to 12

BOSTON, (Reuters) – The Boston Celtics extended   their season-high winning streak to 12 games with a 102-90   victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.   

Boston (21-4) overcame the absence of injured starters   Rajon Rondo and Shaquille O’Neal with a solid team effort in   which six players scored in double digits.  
 
Ray Allen scored 17 of his 18 points in the second half,   and Glen Davis also scored 18 for Boston and pulled down 10   rebounds. Kevin Garnett had 17 points and a game-high 14   rebounds, while Paul Pierce had 15 points and 10 assists.   

“I knew I was going to have to be more of a playmaker,”   said Pierce. “I tried to feel the game out and give it what it   need.   
“I didn’t feel the need to have a big scoring night based   on what the other guys were doing. Guys are going to be asked   to play multiple roles with the injuries and that’s what we   have to do.”   
Marvin Williams scored a game-high 26 points for Atlanta   (16-11), who were without regulars Jamal Crawford and Joe   Johnson.