NBA: Hawks help their playoff chances by downing Bucks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 131-113 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

The win marks Atlanta’s fifth consecutive victory, allowing the Hawks to gain a game in the standings over the Bucks, who are fighting for the final play-in spot.

Five other Hawks scored in double figures, including 20 points from Wisconsin native Jalen Johnson, who also recorded a team-high nine assists. Onyeka Okongwu contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, while Dyson Daniels added 14 points and a team-high 10 boards.

For Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 24 points in just 26 minutes, playing under a post-injury restriction. Kyle Kuzma, who did not play in Milwaukee’s previous game due to a coach’s decision, scored 16 off the bench.

Both teams started fast, with the Bucks dominating early. Milwaukee shot 73% from the floor in the first quarter, including 6-for-9 from three-point range, to take a 38-25 lead.

The Hawks responded in the second quarter, keeping pace with the Bucks’ offense. Both teams shot over 60% from the field, with Milwaukee holding a slim 71-66 advantage at halftime.

Atlanta carried its momentum into the second half. The Hawks opened the third quarter with a 23-5 run to take a 12-point lead and entered the fourth up 98-89. Milwaukee struggled to recover, going just 2-of-16 from three-point range in the second half after a strong start.

The Hawks outscored the Bucks 87-60 from the second quarter through the middle of the fourth, cruising to the victory.

The win evens the season series at 1-1, denying Milwaukee a potentially crucial tiebreaker in the matchups against Atlanta.

-Field Level Media/Reuters