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NBA: Boston 118, Atlanta 107

BOSTON, March 29 (UPI) -- Paul Pierce turned in a triple-double Friday in leading Boston to the brink of a playoff bid with a 118-107 decision over Atlanta.

Pierce had 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, helping the Celtics maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half after moving in front by 10 at the break.

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Boston has won two straight after losing five in a row. The Celtics are holding down the seventh-place spot in the Eastern Conference race and they own a nine-game lead over ninth-place Philadelphia with 10 to play.

Jeff Green led Boston in scoring with 27 points while Jason Terry had five 3- pointers among his 24 points.

Atlanta, which completed a four-game road trip with a 2-2 record, got 19 points from Mike Scott. The Hawks played without center Al Horford, who sat out with a stomach illness.

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