Sarah K. Spencer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - The Atlanta Hawks fell into an early 20-point hole and couldn’t sustain enough of a rhythm or get enough stops to climb out of it, losing Game 5 to the Milwaukee Bucks, 123-112, Thursday in Milwaukee.

Brook Lopez (33) led the Bucks with 33 points as Milwaukee pounded Atlanta in the paint, 66-36.

Khris Middleton added 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Bucks, and point guard Jrue Holiday scored 25 points to go along with 13 assists and six rebounds.

The Bucks took a 3-2 lead in the series, while the Hawks will try to force a Game 7. Game 6 will be at 8.30 PM Saturday, back in Atlanta at State Farm Arena.

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The Hawks played without Trae Young, who missed his second straight game due to a right foot bone bruise he sustained in Game 3. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks in scoring with 28 points, making a playoff-high seven 3s.

John Collins chipped in 19 points and eight rebounds for the Hawks.

The Bucks, who were missing star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo after he hyperextended his left knee in Game 4, are now on the cusp of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.