The Atlanta Hawks continued their surge in the Eastern Conference with a 122-99 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday at State Farm Arena.
CJ McCollum scored 30 points and Jalen Johnson recorded his 12th triple-double of the season as Atlanta extended the longest active winning streak in the NBA to nine games.
The Hawks improved to 36-31 and strengthened their position in the crowded middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Johnson finished with 23 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds while directing Atlanta’s offense for long stretches.
McCollum provided perimeter scoring and spacing, knocking down seven 3-pointers while shooting 10-for-18 from the field. The veteran guard also moved into 16th place on the NBA’s all-time 3-point list, passing Paul Pierce with his 2,147th career three.
Atlanta’s offense featured balanced scoring across the rotation and efficient ball movement. The Hawks finished with 29 assists on 47 made field goals and shot 49% from the field.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 points while contributing defensive activity on the perimeter. Dyson Daniels returned from a one-game absence due to a toe sprain and recorded eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Atlanta’s winning streak began on Feb. 22 with a victory over Brooklyn and has continued despite several injuries within the roster.
Jonathan Kuminga missed the game with a knee injury, marking his third absence in the past four games.
The first half remained competitive as both teams traded leads early. There were six lead changes and four ties before Atlanta entered halftime with a 60-52 advantage.
The game shifted in the third quarter when the Hawks created separation with a decisive run.
Atlanta outscored Milwaukee 35-26 in the period, with McCollum scoring 11 points during the stretch. That offensive burst pushed the margin into double digits and prevented the Bucks from mounting a comeback.
Milwaukee entered the game without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sprained his left ankle in Thursday’s loss to Miami. The absence of the two-time MVP limited the Bucks’ interior scoring and rebounding presence.
Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 22 points and eight assists while shooting 8-for-11 from the field.
Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Bobby Portis contributed 14 points off the bench, though Milwaukee struggled to generate consistent offense late in the game.
The Bucks finished with 37 rebounds and committed 20 turnovers, which Atlanta converted into transition opportunities.
Milwaukee dropped to 27-39 with the loss and has now lost four consecutive games.
Atlanta will look to extend its winning streak when it hosts the Orlando Magic on Monday. Milwaukee returns home to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
