The Atlanta Hawks delivered a decisive 119-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, halting Milwaukee’s seven-game winning streak. Jalen Johnson spearheaded Atlanta’s offense with a standout 23-point, 13-rebound double-double.
De’Andre Hunter added 20 points, while Trae Young, Clint Capela, and Bogdan Bogdanovic provided additional firepower. Atlanta’s balanced attack extended their winning streak to five games and boosted their record to 12-11.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Damian Lillard contributed 25 points, but Milwaukee struggled to match Atlanta’s depth. The Bucks dropped to 11-10 and remain in close competition with Atlanta for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks controlled the game’s tempo after a hot start from Milwaukee, overcoming an early 10-point deficit. Atlanta surged late in the first quarter with a 23-10 run, securing a 38-35 lead and never trailing again.
Atlanta dominated key statistical categories, outrebounding Milwaukee 55-40 and outscoring them in the paint 64-34. The Hawks converted 20 of their 22 free throws and capitalized on transition opportunities with a 30-12 advantage in fast-break points.
Milwaukee looked fatigued following their back-to-back games. The Bucks shot 42% from the field and just 33% from beyond the arc, a significant drop from their performance in Detroit on Tuesday.
Atlanta’s bench was instrumental, outscoring Milwaukee’s reserves 50-31. Hunter led the second unit, and Onyeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher chipped in with double-digit contributions. The Hawks’ reserves provided crucial energy to sustain their lead.
Despite a dominant first quarter from Taurean Prince, the league’s leading three-point shooter, Milwaukee couldn’t maintain momentum. Prince finished with 10 points after being held scoreless for much of the second half.
The Bucks struggled to find answers for Atlanta’s cohesive play, falling behind by as many as 20 points in the second half. Milwaukee’s reliance on Antetokounmpo and Lillard couldn’t overcome their defensive lapses and lack of production from the supporting cast.
