Celtics Embarrassed 110-83 In Game 5, Hawks Take 3-2 Series Lead
BOSTON (CBS) -- Things got ugly again for the Celtics in Atlanta, and they now face a must-win Thursday night in Boston if they want to keep their postseason alive.
The Celtics fell to 0-5 in Atlanta this season, dropping Game 5 of their playoff series against the Hawks 110-83 on Tuesday night. Atlanta takes a 3-2 series lead with the win, and has a chance to advance to the second round with a win Thursday.
The Celtics have to hope their luck at TD Garden continues on Thursday, forcing a winner-takes-all Game 7 in Atlanta on Saturday night. So far this series, the home team has won each contest.
Both teams came out flat, shooting a combined 12-of-43 for the first quarter. The Celtics held a 29-19 lead in the second quarter until Atlanta ripped off a 28-10 run, highlighted by a trio of threes from Kent Bazemore, to take a 49-37 lead into halftime. Bazemore finished with 14 points at the half and 16 points for the game. Jeff Teague also had 16 points for Atlanta, while Mike Scott led all scorers with 17 off the Hawks' bench.
Atlanta extended their lead with a monster third quarter, outscoring Boston 42-23. The outscored the Celtics 91-54 after the midway point of the second quarter.
Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas was held scoreless in the first half, missing all four of his attempts, and didn't hit a shot until the 10:16 mark of the third quarter. He left the game early in the fourth quarter after landing awkwardly following a drive to the hoop and did not return. He was diagnosed with a mild left ankle sprain, but told reporters after the game he'll be ready to go for Game 6.
Thomas finished with just seven points on 3-of-12 shooting. Evan Turner led all Celtics scorers with 15 points, while Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart and Jared Sullinger each had 10 points.
Game 6 is set for Thursday night in Boston.