BOSTON, March 15 (UPI) -- Al Jefferson had 23 points and nine rebounds Wednesday night as the Boston Celtics trounced the Atlanta Hawks, 109-88.
After leading by only one point through the first quarter, Boston built its halftime advantage to 50-41.
Boston out-scored Atlanta, 59-47, in the second half, including 36-19 in the third quarter.
Paul Pierce had 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Rajon Rondo had 13 points and 10 assists, and Kendrick Perkins had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Celtics, who won for just the ninth time at home this season.
Josh Smith led Atlanta with 19 points and six rebounds. Marvin Williams and Anthony Johnson each scored 17 points, and Tyronn Lue added 11 points and three assists for the Hawks, who lost for the second time in their last six games.
