Sixers Face Elimination After Atlanta Hawks Pull off 26-Point Comeback Win in Game 5

After blowing a double-digit lead on Monday night, the Sixers did it once again as they wasted the 26-point lead and positioned themselves in a tough spot, facing possible elimination after collapsing in Game 5 at Wells Fargo Center home against the Atlanta Hawks, 109-106.

The Comeback of Atlanta Hawks

The 18-point lead on Monday night, June 14, and the 26-point lead in Game 5 on Wednesday night, June 16, meant nothing to the Philly squad now, as they are now a game away from elimination in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

According to NBC Sports, the Atlanta Hawks made a historic comeback against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 and took a 3-2 lead in the second-round series.

Sixers' Joel Embiid, who's battling a knee injury, struggled late in the game, which solidified the will of the Atlanta squad that they could seal the deal in Philly and complete the upset in Game 6 Friday at home.

The Philadelphia 76ers looked well on their way to a Game 5 win, but the Atlanta Hawks kept competing. The Sixers' execution lapsed terribly as the pressure and possibility of another disastrous ending increased. The Hawks capitalized on the situation and stayed composed until the final seconds of Game 5.

Moreover, Joel Embiid scored 37 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Philly squad together with Seth Curry, who had a playoff career-high 36 points. But the big-time performances from the Sixers' guard and center were not enough to secure the win at home.

Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks with 39 points. But compared to the Sixers, who only had Embiid and Curry with a double-digit scoring production, Young had three other teammates with 10+ points.

NBA Vets Stepping Up

NBA Veterans Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari dropped a combined 31-point performance, while Hawks' forward John Collins finished Game 5 with a double-double performance with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

The vets alongside Young opened the fourth on a huge run against the Sixers' second unit. They kept attacking, prompting 76ers coach Doc Rivers to put back the starters in the court and save the lead.

But it was already too late as the momentum already shifted on the Hawk's side. Williams and Young each scored 13 points in the fourth.

Williams noted that Young is already an established superstar in the league. He added that their Game 5 win would be one of those things where he will look back when Young would be a Hall of Famer in the future.

Williams also shared that he was so proud of working and being a part of the process of Trae Young, ESPN reported. Trae Young ran off the court, clapping towards the few Hawks fans that stuck around. Young rewarded them with a comeback victory for the ages.

Young said that he just showed his love to the Hawks fans who showed up in Game 5. He added that they would need them to show up for the Atlanta Hawks on Friday to close out the series.

Meanwhile, Hawks coach Nate McMillan said if people don't believe, they have to believe now. The Atlanta Hawks are now one win away from a spot in the conference finals.

WATCH: Philadelphia 76ers vs Atlanta Hawks Full GAME 5 Highlights | 2021 NBA Playoffs - From MLG Highlights