Celtics, 110-85 (final)
Feels like home.
The Celtics shook off the dust of their failed trip to Atlanta and emerged with a 110-85 victory over the Hawks in Game 5 here at the TD Banknorth Garden. Boston now leads the series 3-2, with Game 6 coming in Atlanta on Friday night.
The crowd was ready for the Hawks in this one, booing Mike Bibby and Al Horford every chance they got. Fans wore green T-shirts, and Boston sports notables, including Laurence Maroney, Ben Watson, and Cam Neely, were out in force.
The Celtics led from the outset in this one, building a 12-point lead at the end of the first quarter and a 15-point lead at halftime. The Hawks closed the gap to eight in the third, but Boston withstood the charge and had a comfortable 81-64 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Paul Pierce paced the Celtics with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Five Celtics (Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, and Rajon Rondo) scored in double-figures.
Allen made 5-of-8 three pointer for the Celtics, who shot 9-of-20 overall from beyond the arc. The Hawks were just 4-for-13 from three.
Unlike the two games in Atlanta, there were no truly testy moments in Game 5, save a couple of technicals. The shot clocks were fully functional throughout the game.
The Celtics took 16 more shots than the Hawks and also shot a higher percentage (54 percent to 41 percent). The C’s turned the ball over just 11 times.
Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 21 points. Boston can wrap up the series Friday night in Atlanta.
Rondo said the Celtics were “on edge” before the game. It’ll be interesting to see the team’s mood after tonight’s win. We’re heading to the locker rooms now, and we’ll have plenty of reaction from both teams in a bit.
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