After having wrapped up a four game road trip, the Atlanta Hawks (18-22) failed to capitalize on a late game rally losing 114-105, against the Milwaukee Bucks (27-14). Despite the Hawks concluding their road trip at two games a piece, they find themselves still slipping down the eastern conference standings as they are currently the 9th seed and sit 2.5 games behind the Miami Heat for the eighth slot.
Prior to tonight’s matchup, the Hawks were missing several players from their rotation with Clint Capela (right calf strain), Jarrett Culver, Tyrese Martin (G-League assignment), and their franchise point guard Trae Young (non-covid illness). As for the Bucks, they remained without Khris Middleton who has yet to play since December 15th against the Memphis Grizzlie due to a knee injury. Along with Middleton, Serge Ibaka (personal) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (health & safety protocols).
For most of the first half the Hawks were dominated as the Bucks jumped out to an early 13-0 lead in the opening quarter before amounting to a 39-19 lead heading into the second. The Hawks were struggling offensively as they were shooting 41% from the field while allowing the Bucks to score with such ease as they were shooting 54% from the field and 64% from three. Going into the second quarter, the Hawks picked up their level of play on the defensive side of the ball as they were able to limit the Bucks to 48% shooting from the field and 30% from three. However, the Hawks continued with their offensive struggles as they slightly increased their percentages from the first with 44% shooting from the field and 50% from three. As the half concluded, the Hawks found themselves with a massive deficit with the score at 67-46 in favor of the Bucks.
Going into the second half, the Hawks needed a grandiose shift in momentum in order to make this matchup a tightly contested game: And so they did. The Hawks responded with a 28-13 run to bring the lead within 10 points. During that third quarter, they were able to score 36 points stemming from efficient shooting 56% from the field and 44% from three while limiting the Bucks to 22 points coming off of 36% shooting from the field and 14% from downtown. Heading into the final quarter of play, the Hawks carried over their level of activity as they jumped out to another large scoring run 18-9 in order to take their first lead of the night. However, the Hawks were unable to close out the game as the Bucks quickly responded with a 13-2 run which proved to be insurmountable within the final minutes.
With the Hawks missing their leading scorer, Bogdan Bogdanović took it upon himself to carry the offensive load with 22 points and 5 assists followed by: De’Andre Hunter with 16 points and 9 rebounds, John Collins with 15 points and 7 rebounds, Frank Kaminsky with 13 points, and Jalen Johnson with 12 points.
As for the Bucks, they looked to Jrue Holiday with 27 points and 5 rebounds while receiving help from the others: Brook Lopez 20 points and 12 rebounds, Bobby Portis Jr. with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Jevon Carter with 13 points, and Pat Connaughton with 10 points and 7 rebounds. In a surprising fashion Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to struggle with getting into rhythm against teams in the southeast division as he finished with just 7 points (30% field goal) but contributed in other ways with 17 rebounds and 10 assists.
Post Game Interviews
Bogdan Bogdanović & Jalen Johnson
Coach Nate McMillan
What’s Next?
The Atlanta Hawks (18-22) will look to bounce back from their shortcomings as they will face the Indiana Pacers (23-19) on the road Friday night. The Pacers have been quite a surprise this season as Tyrese Haliburton has played at an extraordinary level for the franchise thus far allowing them to be in playoff contention. On the season, the Pacers are ranked 10th offensively averaging 115.6 points per game while defensively they allow 115.6 points per game.
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