All good things must come to an end, as the Atlanta Hawks fell to the Milwaukee Bucks at home 122-113. The Hawks were riding the high of a four-game winning streak, during their five-game home stand, as they ultimately fell short of a clean sweep, but 4-1 was a nice consolation prize.
The Bucks were without star guard, Damian Lillard, in this one who was ruled out for personal reasons. Giannis Antetokounmpo picked up the slack in a big way. The Greek-national finished with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 8 assists. Patrick Beverly, who was almost ruled out for the season, with a torn ligament in his wrist, started in place of Lillard and played very well. Beverly finished with 18 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds, and he was also his usual ‘pesky-self’ on defense.
The Hawks, who have been playing inspired basketball of late, were still without many of their key players. Jalen Johnson (ankle) gave it a go in pregame warm-up’s, but was ruled out just before tip-off.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was an absolute flamethrower for Atlanta. He finished with a game-high 38 points, on 12 of 23 shooting overall and 5 of 9 from three. He also finished with a double-double adding 10 rebounds and chipping in 4 assists.
Coming off an incredible performance against the Boston Celtics Thursday, Dejounte Murray struggled to find his shot Saturday night. Murray was 7 of 19 from the field and just 3 of 10 from three-point land for 20 points. He also finished with a double-double, adding 12 assists and 8 rebounds.
Atlanta remains a full game back of the Chicago Bulls, whom they will face next on Monday night in a huge showdown up in Chicago. Both teams are seemingly locked into either the 9th or 10th seed, with the Brooklyn Nets fading off with only 8 games or so remaining.
Tip-off for Monday’s game at the United Center will be at 8:00 p.m. eastern.
