Hawks vs. Celtics 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch NBA playoffs online

The Hawks can close the series with a win in Boston.

Apr 28, 2016, 1:00 PM UTC

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks are one victory away from advancing to the second round. They won a pivotal Game 5 at home and will now look to take the last step by beating the Celtics in Boston.

After four close games, Atlanta was the first of the two teams to get a blowout. They bounced back from a bad first quarter and combined to score 74 points in the two following periods to enter the final frame up by 27 points. It was a truly dominant performance that could prove to be the turning point of the series.

The Hawks got it done with balanced scoring. Five players finished in double-digits in points, led by Mike Scott's 17. The backup big man provided an extra boost from the bench and formed a terrific duo with Paul Millsap, stretching Boston's defense to its breaking point. On a night in which Al Horford wasn't sharp, Atlanta needed the spark Scott provided and will surely be looking to the bench to step up once again in what could be the last game of the series.

As for the Celtics, they simply got sloppy and paid the price. They allowed too many fast break points and couldn't keep the Hawks' shooters in check. On offense they missed Isaiah Thomas' shot creation dearly, as their star had an off night. Everything that could have gone wrong did during the third quarter, and the 42 points they allowed in that frame sealed their fate. Now they will have to fight for their playoff lives on Thursday.

There is hope for Boston. Kent Bazemore went 4-for-9 from beyond the arc in Game 5, something that he’s unlikely to replicate on Thursday. The Celtics won’t likely turn the ball over 20 times, and without those easy transition points that resulted from Boston’s mistakes the Hawks’ offense won’t be as dangerous. It’s unlikely we see another blowout.

Atlanta made it clear that if Boston isn’t focused and ready for the full 48 minutes, they will make them pay. Now it’s the Celtics’ turn to be the aggressor. Their entire season depends on this game, so they can’t afford to hold anything back.