While the Warriors are still looking for success outside, on the other side of the United States, the Hawks win the most complicated of victories on the road as they win 121-106 in Milwaukee. This is the first time the Bucks have lost at home, and this loss allows the Celtics to take first place in the Eastern Conference. It must be said that three holders were missing: Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton and Jrue Holiday.
But the Hawks were serious from start to finish, and they took control from the start with defensive stops that turned into easy baskets. After four minutes, Atlanta escaped (15-7) and Mike Budenholzer took his first time-out. The Bucks react thanks to their “second unit”, but Atlanta masters its subject with the search for the easy basket, and of course shots of brilliance from Trae Young.
In fact, the Bucks stay in contact only thanks to free throws: 24 shots to 8 at the break! But the Hawks are much more skilful, and the Collins-Young duo signs a 9-2 to widen the gap again. At halftime, Atlanta took a 13-point lead (63-50).
In the 3rd quarter, the Hawks unfold their basketball with DeAndre Hunter and Clint Capela finishing, or Young sending Collins to the alley-oop. The gap continues to swell to reach 18 points (76-58). The Bucks attempt “runs” but Murray is responsible for containing any attempt at comeback. The gap is the yo-yo, but in the middle of the last quarter, Atlanta regains its 18-point lead (103-85) to slip away to an easy victory (121-106).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Alert for Giannis. In civilian clothes, Jrue Holiday puts her hands over her face. In the Fiserv Forum, there is no longer a sound. Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the ground, and he is holding his ankle. On a harmless action, he stepped on the foot of Jalen Johnson. More fear than harm since he will stay in the game. But remember that the “Greek Freak” had just missed three matches for knee pain…
– The Hawks collective. In addition to the anti-Giannis plan which consists of presenting him with a wall with the “frontline” Collins-Capela-Hunter, Atlanta relied on his passing game to make the difference. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have to play the others first, and we saw a lot of fake shots, followed by a dribble to create the gap, get the defense going, and serve the unmarked player.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Dejounte Murray. He set the tone for the game by taking the opposing leader very high. His aggressiveness disrupted the Bucks’ offense, pushed away from the racket. A full game for him, more focused on the attack when the Bucks tried to rebel.
✅ Clint Capela. He’s the boss of the racket, just like a Brook Lopez opposite. It just plays in attack, and turns into a control tower in defense. The Swiss brings a real base to complete the spine with Murray and Hunter.
✅ Marjon Beauchamp. He gains confidence over the meetings, and he hardly spoils anything. There’s a 7th or 8th man spot up for grabs when the injured are back.
⛔️ Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rusty after spending part of the week in the infirmary, Giannis was not in the right tempo, and he still has so much trouble against the Hawks. Result: 8 out of 21 on shots, 8 stray bullets, and even 6 fouls!
THE FOLLOWING
Milwaukee (10-3) : reception of the Cavaliers on Wednesday evening.
Atlanta (9-5) : home of the Celtics on Wednesday night.
