Hawks Survive Game 5 vs. Nets, Lead Series 3-2

Apr 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) passes the ball past Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks and Nets had another close contest in Game 5, but Atlanta took the game at home 107-97.

After controlling the first three quarters of the game without a doubt, the Hawks yet again let Brooklyn back in the game. It was 82-70 heading into the 4th quarter, but before you could blink the Nets cut it to 82-77. It was nip and tuck until the end when the Hawks drove the basket in the final minutes while the Nets missed shots.

Brook Lopez has had the answer to Al Horford the entire series, but not in Game 5. Big Al outplayed Lopez (15 pts, 3 reb) with great mid-range shooting and rebounding. Horford ended the night with 20 points and 15 boards.

Once again Dennis Schroder was a liability in his back up point guard role. Late in the 3rd quarter he drove to the basket almost every possession, and nearly all of them resulted in a missed layup or turnover. Schroder Schroder turn the ball over is how I look at him.

Conversely, Jeff Teague was fantastic. Down the stretch he had the ball in his hands and got crucial points in the paint. He ended the night with 20 points. Going forward, Coach Bud has to let Teague play more minutes as the struggles continue with Schroder in the game.