Boosted by their recent success against Boston, the Hawks believed in it until the end last night when they hosted Milwaukee. But unlike the Celtics, the Bucks held on until the end, even if it took work, from Giannis Antetokounmpo in particular, to leave Georgia with the victory.
The Bucks first took off following a 13-2 run in the second quarter, thanks to the physical impact of Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but also to Malik Beasley (38- 54). But even at +14 at the break (45-59), Doc Rivers' men knew that nothing was over, far from it.
Milwaukee's fears were quickly confirmed as shooters Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Garrison Matthews and former Buck Wes Matthews allowed Atlanta to catch up. Giannis Antetokounmpo then put his team back in the saddle with two huge dunks, including one with the foul (65-84). What to discourage the Hawks? On the contrary !
The Hawks never give up!
There was first a 9-2 concluded by Dejounte Murray's 3-pointer to end the third quarter, then a new offensive, this time launched by Bruno Fernando, reinforced by De'Andre's 3-pointers Hunter then Bogdan Bogdanovic to bring the gap back to 5 points (89-94)! The response from Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, also from afar, gave Milwaukee some breathing space but the Bogdanovic-Fernando-Capela trio didn't give up.
It was finally less than two minutes from the end, after a strong pass whistled against Dejounte Murray which led to a 3-pointer in the corner from Malik Beasley on a pass from Giannis Antetokounmpo, that the Bucks were able to claim victory (103-116). On free throws, Pat Beverley then responded to Bogdan Bogdanovic's last two outside baskets to ensure a precious success, 122 to 113.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Giannis Antetokounmpo was wild. The Bucks were coming in with their backs against the wall after losing their previous two games while Atlanta knocked off Boston twice. As a result, Doc Rivers' team arrived very determined, which materialized in the XXL performance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who relentlessly hammered the opposing racket, finishing with 36 points, 16 rebounds but also 8 assists witnessing his good reading of the game, like on the two baskets which sealed the fate of the match when he found Malik Beasley then Patrick Beverley. Opposite, Bogdan Bogdanovic tried everything, and finished with 38 points. But it is the “Greek Freak” who leaves with the victory, while the Serbian full-back for his part had to settle for the jersey with a photo of the MVP of the match…
– The eye-catching Hawks. Faithful to their state of mind which had allowed them to win their last four matches, Quin Snyder's men did not win last night but will have displayed the state of mind necessary to finish this regular season, with the objective of grab 9th place from the Bulls. They could have returned to a tie with Chicago this morning in the event of a victory over Milwaukee. No problem, they will have another chance tomorrow evening with a “double count” trip to the Bulls floor to kick off the last two weeks before the final verdict.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
