Boston, MA (My Sportsbook) - Joe Johnson scored 24 points and Atlanta continued its early season surge with a 97-86 win over the Celtics, snapping a seven-game regular season skid to Boston.

Jamal Crawford scored half of his 18 points in the last quarter for the Hawks, who moved to 7-2 on the season. Al Horford ended with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Josh Smith scored 14 and Mike Bibby 13 in the win.

Paul Pierce netted 24 points for the Celtics, who lost for just the second time in 10 games this season. Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins each finished with 14 points, while Perkins also had nine boards.

It was a rough perimeter shooting night for the Celtics, who went 1-of-15 from three-point range. Boston was also out-muscled inside, as Atlanta held a 47-29 rebounding edge.

A turnaround jumper by Rasheed Wallace pulled Boston within 76-72 just over a minute into the fourth, but Atlanta came back with the next six points, capped by a pair of free throws from Zaza Pachulia.

Atlanta's largest lead came with 4:44 remaining when Bibby made 1-of-2 foul shots for an 88-76 cushion, and the Hawks' defense kept Boston at bay.

Pierce made 1-of-2 at the charity stripe for a 91-84 margin with 2:13 left, but Johnson drove in for a layup, which turned into a three-point play, to stem the tide.

Atlanta was ahead by as many as eight in the first quarter before settling for a 24-22 edge after 12 minutes.

The second was a see-saw battle, but the Celtics carried a 42-41 edge into the locker room. Boston scored the first six of the third, but the teams traded runs later in the quarter and the visitors were in front, 72-70, moving to the final period.

Game Notes

Pierce left with 3:15 remaining in the third quarter due to a bruised left knee, but returned...Rajon Rondo had nine assists for Boston, while teammate Ray Allen scored 10.