CELTICS 90, HAWKS 84 (OT): Rajon Rondo notched his seventh career playoff triple-double with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists and host Boston prevailed in overtime to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series.

Paul Pierce scored 21 points, Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 13 rebounds and Ray Allen returned from an ankle injury to score 13 for the Celtics.

Joe Johnson scored 29 points and Jeff Teague added 23 for the Hawks, who were without forward Josh Smith due to a knee injury suffered in Game 2.

Game 4 is Sunday in Boston.

Rondo returned from a one-game suspension to make a major impact and scored Boston’s first four points in overtime, including a basket with 3:47 remaining that put the Celtics ahead to stay.

Garnett’s follow slam gave Boston an 88-84 lead with 28.1 seconds remaining.

The Celtics had an 11-point lead on Garnett’s 20-footer with 6:58 left in regulation, but the Hawks closed the final quarter with a 15-4 surge, including eight straight to tie the contest at 80 on Johnson’s 3-pointer with 1:23 remaining.

Pierce hit all 14 of his free-throw attempts to overcome a 3-of-12 performance from the field. Boston was 22 of 25 from the line.

Tracy McGrady had 12 points and nine rebounds and Marvin Williams grabbed 11 rebounds for the Hawks.

Boston led 40-38 at halftime. Allen came off the bench to score eight first-half points on 4-of-6 shooting.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Boston was 4 of 13 from 3-point range after making just three over the first two games of the series. … McGrady tweaked his right ankle in the second quarter but returned in the third. … Allen hadn’t played since April 10 and missed 12 straight games, including the final 10 regular-season contests. … Hawks center Zaza Pachulia (foot) again sat out.