Peachtree Hoops: Prada: History Is Still On Atlanta's Side

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Besides pointing out that the Hawks completely rolled over in their Game 5 loss to the Orlando Magic, SB Nation's Mike Prada examines the last ten instances where a team leading 3-1 in a series was blown out in Game 5. 

• 2010 East Finals: Magic win Game 5, 113-92, lose to Celtics Game 6, 96-84.
• 2010 West First Round: Mavs win Game 5, 103-81, lose to Spurs in Game 6, 97-87.
• 2010 West First Round: Nuggets win Game 5, 116-104, lose to Jazz in Game 6, 112-104.
• 2009 West First Round: Blazers win Game 5, 88-77, lose to Rockets in Game 6, 92-76.
• 2008 West First Round: Rockets win Game 5, 95-69, lose to Jazz in Game 6, 113-91.
• 2007 East Semifinals: Nets win Game 5, 93-82, lose to Cavaliers in Game 6, 88-72.
• 2007 East Semifinals: Bulls win Game 5, 108-92, lose to Pistons in Game 6, 95-85.
• 2006 East FInals: Pistons win Game 5, 91-78, lose to Heat in Game 6, 95-78.
• 2006 West First Round: Suns win Game 5, 114-97, win Game 6 vs. Lakers, 126-118.
• 2004 East Semifinals: Heat win Game 5, 94-83, lose to Pacers in Game 6, 73-70.

Only the 2006 Suns forced a Game 7 after being down 3-1 in a series and getting a blow out win in Game 5. What does this mean? Ultimately we will find out Thursday night. Those already predicting a collapse might want to slow down just a bit. The pressure is firmly placed on the Hawks and that is probably where we want it. This club seems to play better when everyone is counting them out the most. 

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