In a thrilling Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, the Atlanta Hawks managed to stay alive by beating the Boston Celtics 119-117, thanks to a clutch 3-pointer from Trae Young with just 1.8 seconds left on the clock. Young had an outstanding game, scoring 38 points and adding 13 assists and two steals. He also scored the final 14 points for the Hawks, who were without Dejounte Murray, who was suspended after making contact with an official in the previous game.
Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics with 35 points, his second straight 30-plus-point game, while Jayson Tatum contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Derrick White added 18 points for the Celtics.
The game was full of drama, with 12 lead changes and 11 ties. Boston looked to be in control with a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks fought back, with Young hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 111-111 with 2:42 left on the clock. The Celtics regained the lead, but Young hit a technical foul free throw and two regular free throws to give the Hawks their first lead since the first quarter. Robert Williams III put the Celtics back up, but Young hit the game-winning shot with just 1.8 seconds left.
The Hawks had started well, leading 30-27 after the first quarter, but Boston came back strong in the second, going on a 30-17 run over the last nine minutes to take a 66-58 lead at halftime. However, the Hawks fought back, and with their season on the line, managed to come out on top.
The series now stands at 3-2 in favor of the Celtics, with Game 6 set to take place in Atlanta on Thursday.