In a thrilling showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to edge out the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 112-110, putting an end to their three-game losing streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his talent by scoring 21 points and grabbing 17 rebounds in a game where the Bucks almost let a commanding 23-point lead slip away in the second half.
The excitement peaked when Jalen Johnson drained a crucial three-pointer that put the Hawks ahead 105-104 with just over a minute left on the clock. However, this defeat marked Atlanta's fourth consecutive loss in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day game, a significant event given the historical importance of the day in the civil rights movement.
In a tense closing sequence, AJ Green and Bobby Portis hit back-to-back three-pointers, temporarily shifting momentum back to the Bucks. Antetokounmpo then made a powerful drive to the basket, extending the Bucks' lead to 109-105 with 36 seconds remaining.
Despite a valiant effort from the Hawks, who were desperately trying to claw back into the game after a dismal 0-for-21 start from beyond the arc, they couldn't secure the win. Nickeil Alexander-Walker managed to hit a three-pointer, giving the Hawks a glimmer of hope, but a missed free throw by Ryan Rollins for the Bucks left the door slightly ajar for Atlanta. Unfortunately for them, CJ McCollum's last-ditch attempt at a shot was off-balance and failed to find the net, sealing the victory for Milwaukee.
The Hawks had a rocky start, trailing 54-38 at halftime and falling behind 74-51 early in the third quarter before finally igniting their offense. Alexander-Walker was the standout performer for Atlanta, scoring an impressive 32 points, while Johnson contributed significantly with 28 points and 16 rebounds. In contrast, the Bucks displayed a well-rounded team effort with six players scoring in double digits.
In a strategic move, the Bucks altered their starting lineup by benching Kevin Porter Jr., who had a rough January, including a game where he failed to score against the San Antonio Spurs. Kyle Kuzma took his place in the starting five. Porter played 28 minutes against the Hawks, contributing nine points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Hawks continued to struggle on their home court, now with a record of 7-13 at State Farm Arena, compared to a more favorable 13-12 on the road. During the game, Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, were honored during a timeout early in the third quarter, adding a poignant moment to the match.
Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to return to their home court to face the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on Wednesday night. On the same day, the Hawks will be traveling to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies.
