The Atlanta Hawks lost Game 5 to the Milwaukee Bucks 123-112 and some would argue it wasn't even that close.
The Hawks struggled mightily from a physical standpoint, but their mental toughness also was an issue.
From a physical perspective there was an expectation that without Giannis Antetokounmpo playing the Hawks would be able to control the glass and defend the paint. Neither of those things happened.
Of bigger concern than the letdown physically may have been the Hawks' mental approach. They fell victim to the same mindset that affected the Bucks heading into Game 4, that they couldn't possibly lose if Giannis was out.
While you can expect the Hawks to recover and look better in Game 6 at home, the concern is now having to go on the road, like they did last series against the 76ers, and having to win a closeout game.
Hawks head coach Nate McMillan can address the issues physically and make adjustments, but it's going to be up to the players to bring the mental mindset needed to advance.
With the loss, the Hawks now trail in the Eastern Conference Finals 3-2 and will face elimination in Game 6 in Atlanta on Saturday evening.
