Hawks hold off Nets rally to take Game 5
For most of Game 5 on Wednesday night, the Atlanta Hawks looked like the team most expected to easily handle the Brooklyn Nets.
While they claimed a 107-97 victory and are now a win away from moving onto the second round, it took riding out a furious Brooklyn comeback that saw the Nets cut a 17-point deficit to one with less than five minutes left.
It almost ruined the Hawks hot start, which featured 58 percent shooting in the first quarter against the Nets' 33 percent. Atlanta led 33-16 after one.
Brooklyn may have taken this item to heart for the second half:
This is from a Brooklyn-themed baby book and it cracks me up. pic.twitter.com/o00Cu9Qoio
— Matt Ufford (@mattufford) April 30, 2015
Turning point
The Nets' Jarrett Jack was whistled for traveling with the Hawks leading 99-95 with 1:17 left in the game, effectively ending the Nets' hopes. Jeff Teague and DeMarre Carroll then combined for 10 points to secure the Atlanta win.
Jack and Alan Anderson had big games for Brooklyn, dropping 18 and 23 points respectively.
Two days after his time machine 35-point performance in Game 4, Deron Williams shot 2-of-8 for five points, a development that could vex people for years to come.
At this rate there will be research papers dedicated to figuring out Deron Williams's 35-point game.
— devin kharpertian (@uuords) April 30, 2015
Star performer
Al Horford was an absolute beast for the Hawks, scoring 20 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and dishing five assists. It was the center's best game of the series as he deals with a finger injury. Carroll scored 19 of his 24 points in the first half.
Teague, who briefly left the game in the third quarter after tweaking his ankle landing on Brook Lopez's foot, finished with 20 points and eight assists.
Highlight reel
After a first-quarter dunk, Horford stole the Lopez inbounds pass and fed Carroll for the layup.
Anderson pulled this one out of his hat for the Nets, throwing down after blowing by Kent Bazemore.
Charles Barkley appears happy the Hawks are in flight.
What kind of bird is that? https://t.co/b8lrOJH06w
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 30, 2015
Series at a glance
Game 1: Hawks 99, Nets 92 (Hawks lead 1-0)
Game 2: Hawks 96, Nets 91 (Hawks tied 2-0)
Game 3: Nets 91, Hawks 83 (Hawks lead 2-1)
Game 4: Nets 120, Hawks 115 (OT) (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Hawks 107, Nets 97 (Hawks lead 3-2)
Game 6: Friday, May 1, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Sunday, May 3, TBD
* if necessary