Hawks Pound Celtics in Game 5 (VIDEO)

Using a well-balanced attack, the Atlanta Hawks routed the Boston Celtics 110-83 Tuesday night in Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead.

Five Hawks scored in double-figures in the critical victory.

Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, who averaged 35 points in Boston’s two victories, scored just seven points and suffered a sprained left ankle late in the fourth quarter (IT says he’ll suit up in Game 6.)

Per the AP:

The Hawks had 19 points midway through the second quarter. Over the next 1 ½ quarters, they poured in 70 on the stunned Celtics, the scoreboard looking more like a slot machine. […] Asked if he had ever seen such a tale of two games, Kyle Korver shook his head and said, “Not in the playoffs, for sure. That’s quite the turnaround.”

 

After losing two straight on the road, the Hawks moved ahead 3-2 in the series and could close it out Thursday night in Boston.

 

There was no need to come back in this one, especially after the Hawks harassed Thomas all night with traps and double teams, making it clear they were going to put the scoring burden on the rest of the Celtics. […] “It should be a sign of disrespect to my teammates,” Thomas said. “Other guys have to step up and make plays.”