It may officially be the lowest point of the Bucks’ season
In an utterly disappointing showing, the Milwaukee Bucks collapsed at home against the Atlanta Hawks, 145-124. Atlanta was led by a career-high points from Zacharrie Risacher, who finished with 36 on the evening. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 31 led Milwaukee.
The Bucks rode on the streaks of some hot perimeter shooting to a 44-37 lead after a quarter of play. Led by 14 points from Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee shot 5/7 from the arc in the opening frame. Kuzma was lights out, not missing a basket (6/6 from the floor, including 3/3 from downtown). Giannis Antetokounmpo also reached the double-digit figure after the first quarter, totaling 11 points. Trae Young had a strong first quarter with 11 points and five dimes.
The script would get flipped in the second. After having a stellar start on the offensive side of the ball in the first quarter, Kuzma failed to score a single point in the second. On the defensive side of the ball, Zacharrie Risacher had his way, pouring in 13 points in the first half. Georges Niang was a massive spark off the Atlanta bench, exploding for four threes and 17 points, tipping the table to a 82-75 lead for the Hawks. It was an absolutely disappointing defensive first half from the Bucks.
The disaster rolled on throughout the third. The Bucks looked absolutely lifeless and had no plan of making this one competitive. Defeated in transition, a lack of creativity and much more quickly gave Atlanta a 20+ lead. The body language and demeanor of Milwaukee started to fall like a lead balloon, resulting in a 118-92 lead for the Hawks after three.
The Bucks got in shouting distance midway through the fourth, putting up one last fight. They’d slice things to 12 points on two occasions. However, despite their efforts, the ship had sailed on any chances of a major comeback. Atlanta would close the door and put the final touches on a 145-124 victory.
Stat That Stood Out
This game seemed to be over at halftime. In arguably the worst defensive performance of the season, the Bucks allowed 82 points to Atlanta, allowing them to constantly slice through their defense as if it was Swiss cheese. The first-half performance epitomized that there was going to be no path of victory for the Bucks in this one.
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