Bucks Dominate Hawks 80-72 Entering Final Quarter
The Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Atlanta Hawks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, at State Farm Arena. The Bucks secured a narrow 112-110 victory, breaking their three-game losing streak. This win brought Milwaukee’s overall record to 18-24, while Atlanta fell to 20-25, suffering their fourth consecutive loss.
Bucks’ Close Win Against Hawks
Milwaukee built a significant 21-point lead in the third quarter. However, they almost lost control of the game late in the fourth quarter. Bobby Portis Jr. played a pivotal role, sinking a three-pointer with just 54 seconds left, putting the Bucks ahead 107-105. Following that, Giannis Antetokounmpo made a crucial steal, leading to a layup after a sequence involving Portis.
Key Player Performances
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 21 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists
- Bobby Portis Jr.: 19 points off the bench
- A.J. Green: 18 points
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks): 28 points
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks): 32 points, 17 in the fourth quarter
The game saw a challenging fourth quarter for Milwaukee, with Antetokounmpo less involved in the offense. Despite this, the team managed to secure the rebound from a last-gasp attempt by CJ McCollum, sealing their victory.
Coaching Adjustments
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers made notable changes to the starting lineup for this matchup. Kyle Kuzma was moved into the starting five, while Kevin Porter Jr. was shifted to the bench. This lineup adjustment aimed to revitalize the team’s performance after experiencing struggles.
Rivers’ Reflections on MLK Day
Before the game, Coach Rivers emphasized the importance of participating in the annual MLK Day showcase. He reflected on his past in Atlanta, recalling his connections to civil rights leaders and the lasting impact they had on him. Rivers believes speaking up about social issues is crucial, noting, “History is under attack right now in a major way. We just can’t stand for that.”
Key Statistics
Several statistics stand out from the game:
- Bucks’ Record: 18-24 after the victory
- Hawks’ Record: 20-25 following the loss
- Missed 3-Pointers: 21 consecutive attempts by Atlanta in the first half
- Antetokounmpo’s Minutes: 30 minutes played in the game
This hard-fought game and its significant performances highlight the Bucks’ resilience, especially while entering the second half of their season.
Conclusion
The Bucks’ performance against the Hawks showcased both their struggles and their ability to overcome adversity. Moving forward, the adjustments made by Doc Rivers will be critical as Milwaukee seeks to improve its standings in the league.
