"We gave up too much penetration," he said. "I gave up a lot that I don't normally do because (of the back spasms)?Our young guys have to step up and really grow up in this series right now, or else it's going to be an early exit."

Miami doesn't have many options at this point. With guazd Luther Head (hand) also missing the playoffs because of an injury the Heat's only remaining athletic player is forward Dorell Wright. And he has played in only six games this season as he struggles to recover from knee surgery.

Wade grew more frustrated as he was peppered by questions about his back spasms the day before Game 5.

"It is what it is," he said. "I can't control it. I'm not a doctor. I don't know. The only thing I can do is go out there and play and if I'm hurting find ways to try to help my team until it gets better. I don't have the answers."

Neither, it appears, does the Heat.

HAWKS 106, HEAT 91: G Dwyane Wade fought through back spasms to score 29 points in 40 minutes. But it wasn't nearly enough as Atlanta took the lead for good at 15-14 and didn't allow Miami within single digits in the fourth quarter.

Atlanta leads the series, 3-2, with Game 6 set for Friday in Miami.

"It'd be different if we were down 3-2 coming to Atlanta," Wade said. "We're down 3-2 going to Miami."

Game 5 was a lot more physical than other games. Wade got called for a flagrant foul. Wade got fouled hard by F Solomon Jones, and after the resulting standoff four technical fouls were handed out. Wade also took a blow to the head after a collision with F Josh Smith.

Still, the Heat's defense is leaky and Atlanta took advantage by hitting 33 free throws, a record for a Heat playoff opponent.

Hawks coach Mike Woodson didn't mind the physical play.

"It is what it is," he said. "It's playoff basketball."