The Hawks have started to hit; the Celtics just hit the wall: In addition to being a very good coach, Boston’s Brad Stevens is precise with words. After the Atlanta Hawks beat his Celtics 110-83 in Game 5, he said: “They were more physical, more aggressive. They were just BETTER.” There aren’t supposed to be major upsets in a 4-versus-5 series, but it would be a massive stunner if the Hawks lost this now. -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks crush Celtics to take series lead : These Hawks were not in Boston. In a pivotal Game 5, the Hawks crushed the Celtics 110-83 Tuesday night at Philips Arena to avenge two straight road losses in the best-of-seven series. Atlanta leads the Eastern Conference first-round series 3-2. Game 6 is Thursday back in Boston with a chance for the Hawks to move on to the second round of the NBA playoffs. -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Look at assist total for indication of Hawks’ success: The Hawks assist total is usually is good indicator of the success of their offense. In Games 1 and 2 of the Hawks playoff series against the Celtics – both wins – they assisted on over about 64 percent of their field goals. In games 3 and 4 – both losses – they assisted on 50 of their field goals. -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks slow to warm up, but then they never cooled off: The Atlanta Hawks couldn’t make a shot. Then they couldn’t miss one. The Hawks made a stunning 11 consecutive shots — five from behind the 3-point arc — during a second-quarter run that turned a 10-point deficit into a 10-point lead over the Celtics. -- The Boston Globe

Hawks find comfy comforts of home: he Hawks would like you to believe that they didn’t change much after they turned last night’s game so sharply as to snap necks. But they do know they’re going to have to do a lot of things different tomorrow night in Boston to close out the Celtics. It might help if they can play Game 6 with ear plugs. -- Boston Herald