Rivers drew two quick technical fouls arguing a flagrant foul call on Glen "Big Baby" Davis in the third quarter.
Assistant coach Armond Hill took over for him -- and then drew a "T" of his own.
The Celtics led 67-57 with 6:16 left in the third quarter when Davis rode Marvin Williams away from the basket on a fast break.
Jamal Crawford made three free throws, then Williams hit one of two for the original foul to cut the deficit to six points, and then the Hawks got the ball out of bounds.