The Atlanta Hawks made a statement Wednesday night, halting the Milwaukee Bucks’ seven-game winning streak with a convincing 119-104 victory.
Jalen Johnson led the charge with an impressive 23 points and 13 rebounds, while the Hawks displayed a balanced attack to extend their own winning streak to five games.
Atlanta wasted no time imposing its will after a shaky start, turning a 10-point deficit in the first quarter into a commanding lead by halftime. Johnson’s energy on both ends of the floor, combined with significant contributions from De’Andre Hunter (20 points), Trae Young (17 points), and Clint Capela’s dominance on the boards (17 rebounds), gave the Hawks a decisive edge.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a strong performance with 30 points and 10 rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to keep the Bucks competitive. Damian Lillard added 25 points, and Gary Trent Jr. chipped in 11 off the bench. However, a sluggish shooting night and a lack of defensive intensity proved costly for Milwaukee, which fell to 11-10 on the season.
The Hawks, now sitting at 12-11, showcased their depth and versatility. Bogdan Bogdanovic (15 points), Onyeka Okongwu (13 points), and Zaccharie Risacher (12 points) provided critical support off the bench. Atlanta’s reserves outscored Milwaukee’s bench 50-31, underscoring their depth advantage.
The game’s turning point came late in the first quarter. After falling behind by double digits, Atlanta surged on a 23-10 run to close the period with a 38-35 lead. That momentum carried into the second quarter, where the Hawks built a 13-point cushion and never relinquished control.
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Fast-break opportunities were a major factor in Atlanta’s success. The Hawks outscored the Bucks 30-12 in transition, capitalizing on Milwaukee’s sluggishness following a dominant performance against Detroit the previous night. Atlanta also controlled the paint with a 64-34 scoring advantage and converted 20 of 22 free-throw attempts.
Milwaukee struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 42% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. Taurean Prince, the NBA’s leading 3-point shooter entering the game, managed only 10 points, with seven of those coming in the first quarter. The Bucks’ fatigue from their back-to-back schedule was evident as their typically reliable perimeter attack faltered.
Despite brief spurts in the second half, Milwaukee couldn’t mount a sustained comeback. Every time the Bucks seemed poised to chip away at the lead, Atlanta responded with timely baskets and defensive stops. Hunter’s consistent scoring and Capela’s rebounding presence kept the Hawks in control throughout the game.
The win positions Atlanta firmly in the race for a top-five spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Johnson’s continued growth as a versatile scorer and rebounder has been a key storyline during the Hawks’ recent surge, and the team’s depth has proven to be a significant asset.
For the Bucks, the loss highlights areas that need addressing, particularly in maintaining consistency against competitive teams. While Antetokounmpo and Lillard remain a formidable duo, Milwaukee’s supporting cast will need to step up, especially on the defensive end, to contend with the East’s elite.
Looking ahead, the Hawks face another challenge on Friday as they host the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Bucks travel to Boston for a marquee matchup with the Celtics. Both games will serve as litmus tests for these teams as they jockey for position in a competitive conference.
Atlanta’s performance Wednesday showcased their potential to be a disruptive force in the East. With Johnson and the supporting cast firing on all cylinders, the Hawks are poised to keep their momentum rolling into the next stretch of the season.
