Kevin Garnett's followed Rajon Rondo's advice perfectly.

"I told KG to take us home down the stretch," Rondo said. "I said, `Make something happen.' He said, `No problem."'

Garnett led Boston to its 16th straight victory Wednesday night, scoring 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to help the Celtics beat Atlanta 88-85.

Garnett was 5-for-5 from the field in the fourth after opening 2-for-10.

"We want to play championship basketball. That's what we're building up to. Our goal is to win a championship," Garnett said. "You play your role around here. You do your job. You do what you're supposed to."

In Atlanta, Paul Pierce added 18 points, and Ray Allen had 16 for Boston, a franchise-best 24-2. The Celtics — 10-1 on the road and 14-1 at home — are two wins away from tying the franchise record of 18 straight set in 1981-82.

"Sometimes it seems as though it's a burden. That monkey grows. It's a good monkey though," Allen said. "I've never been on a streak like this. It's great to be a part of our winning here. I think our winning is based on our preparation."

After Atlanta's Joe Johnson missed the second of two free throws with 2.7 seconds left, Allen made two free throws with 0.7 seconds to go for Boston.

Johnson led Atlanta with 20 points, 10 in the final period. He was 7-of-7 from the line before the miss. Marvin Williams added 16 points.

In the only other game this season between the teams, the Celtics won 103-102 on Nov. 12 in Boston on Pierce's last-second basket. Last season in the playoffs, Boston beat Atlanta 4-3 in the first round en route to the NBA title. The home team won all seven games in the series.

Hornets 90, Spurs 83

At New Orleans, Chris Paul set an NBA record with a steal in his 106th straight regular-season game and had 19 points and 12 assists to lead the Hornets.

Paul broke Alvin Robertson's NBA mark — which stood since 1986.

Jazz 103, Nets 92

At East Rutherford, N.J., Deron Williams had 17 points and 11 assists, and Utah overcame a seven-point first quarter.

Cavs 93, Timberwolves 70

At Minneapolis, LeBron James scored 32 points on 14-of-20 shooting, and Cleveland sent Minnesota to its 11th straight loss.

Bulls 115, Clippers 109, OT

At Chicago, Derrick Rose converted a decisive three-point play in overtime, and Ben Gordon made a four-point play with 20.5 seconds left in regulation for Chicago.

76ers 93, Bucks 88

At Philadelphia, Lou Williams matched his career high with 25 points, Andre Miller added 19, and Philadelphia overcame the loss of forward Elton Brand.

Pacers 127, Warriors 120

At Indianapolis, Danny Granger scored 17 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter, made all 17 of his free throws and had 11 rebounds and six assists for Indiana.

Pistons 88, Wizards 74

At Auburn Hills, Mich., Allen Iverson scored 28 points, and Rodney Stuckey added 18 points.