The Orlando Magic hoped to even their series with the Atlanta Hawks, but their efforts were ultimately futile. The Hawks' second attempt to put away their division rival proved to be more profitable than their first.
The Hawks built a six-point lead by halftime, but that lead grew and shrunk like an accordion in the second half, which ultimately resulted in a nail-biting three-point finish.
Atlanta was led by guard Joe Johnson, who accumulated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double. His efforts were complemented by Al Horford, who also provided a double-double for the Hawks, and Jamal Crawford, who tacked on an additional 19 points of his own.
Although the Magic delayed the flight of the Hawks in Game 5, the Hawks, like the phoenix, rose from the ashes of defeat and are now soaring into the second round of the playoffs.