Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Rajon Rondo and the Celtics failed to close out the Hawks in Game 5 on Tuesday. Their 87-86 loss forced another game in Boston on Thursday.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Rondo collided with Atlanta's Al Horford and could not get off a shot in the game's closing seconds.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Seconds earlier, the Celtics missed another opportunity when Paul Pierce couldn't get this shot to fall.

Tami Chappell/Reuters

The win gave life to Josh Smith and the Hawks, who now trail 3-2 in the series.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Rondo fell over the scorer's table after he hit a three-pointer that tied the game at 40-40 just before halftime.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Boston's Avery Bradley lost the ball in the first half when he ran into Smith.

Tami Chappell/Reuters

Horford, who had a game-high 19 points, slammed home two of them with this second-half dunk.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Mickael Pietrus, Pierce and the Celtics will now look to close out the series on their home court.