The Atlanta Hawks fall to the Milwaukee Bucks 135-127 on Peachtree Night at State Farm Arena

The Atlanta Hawks (4-10) hosted the Milwaukee Bucks (11-3) on Wednesday night on Atlanta Hawks Peachtree Night. The themed night, which has been planned for multiple games during the season, features special Peachtree jerseys worn by the players, special limited edition clothing for fans, and a featured performing artist. Tonight’s special guest was the beloved ATL rapper 2 Chainz. All great things for fans to enjoy to take the sting out of the 135-127 loss to the visitors.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, as usual, was the star of the show; helping the Bucks get the early lead in the first quarter. By the end of the game, he tallied a double-double, scoring a team-high 33 points, 11 rebounds, and tabbing three assists for good measure.

The Hawks were able to take the lead right before halftime. Lead by the youngin-in-charge Trae Young, the Hawks were able to end the first half 61-58. Things were looking promising for the Hawks and then… The third quarter happened.

The Milwaukee Bucks were determined to make mincemeat of the hosts on their specially themed night, torching the scoreboard with 38 points (to the Hawks’ 22) in the third quarter alone. This is where the Greek Freak could rely on support from the likes of Eric Bledsoe (28 points) and Brook Lopez (12 points) to give the Bucks some space.

Deandre Hunter would tally a double-double for the Hawks (27 points, 11 rebounds) while Trae Young was right behind him with 25 points.

It truly was a game that could’ve gone either way. In the end, it came down to turnovers, defense, and forgettable free-throw shooting. The Bucks averaged 76.5% from the line while the Hawks weren’t much better at 80.6%. And while the Bucks committed 19 turnovers to the Hawks’ 13, Giannis & Co. managed eight total blocks. That’s enough defense to forget the Bucks attempted 43 shots from 3-pt land.

The Hawks are on the road Friday, Nov. 22 to Detroit to face the Pistons. They’ll return home Saturday, Nov. 23 to host the defending champion Toronto Raptors.

 

-Jon J.

Photos: Hakim Wright