ATLANTA -- If the Celtics had found a way to steal Game 5 of an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on Tuesday night against the Hawks, the contributions of center Ryan Hollins would have likely garnered far greater attention.

ATLANTA -- Celtics captain Paul Pierce tried to downplay how much his ailing left knee affected his play during Tuesday's 87-86 loss to the Hawks in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference first-round series at Philips Arena, but couldn't help but admit he was a step slow.

ATLANTA -- Rapid reaction after the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics 87-86 in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series Tuesday at Philips Arena (Celtics lead series, 3-2): HOW THE GAME WAS WON Al Horford, back in the starting lineup for the first time since tearing a pectoral muscle on Jan.

ATLANTA -- With their backs against the wall, the Hawks have made the long anticipated move of starting Joe Johnson at shooting guard for Game 5 of an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Celtics.

ATLANTA -- Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he expects all of his players to be available for Tuesday's Game 5 of an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics are dealing with nagging injuries to Paul Pierce (left knee), Ray Allen (right ankle), and Avery Bradley (left shoulder), but Rivers said he anticipates them all in their normal roles with a chance to close out the Hawks on Tuesday at Philips Arena.