After a lackluster start against the Hornets and Knicks, the Hawks needed a win to find their groove and calm everyone down. They faced the Milwaukee Bucks, one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams along with the Boston Celtics. The second game of the season for Milwaukee. 

Atlanta made a huge decision before the game by playing Jalen Johnson instead of Saddiq Bey. After two strong games for Atlanta, Johnson was named a starter with Trae Young, Dejuonte Murray, De’Andre Hunter, and Clint Capela. 

With Khris Middleton out, Milwaukee started Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez. 

Atlanta worked hard from start to end, but they can do better. 

Atlanta led 12-3 after four minutes, setting the tone for the contest. Johnson and Hunter started well as the Hawks went 4-7 from three. Even when Giannis got rolling in the paint and Bobby Portis scored seven straight, the Hawks lead 31-25 after the first quarter. 

Young’s inability to start and find his shot was the only negаtive in the first quarter. Other than that, it was one of the Hawks’ greatest quarters this season. 

In the second quarter, I saw Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela play together for the first time. I doubt that will happen often, but it’s worth noting. 

Atlanta led 68-47 at halftime. The Hawks shot 50% in the first half and 42.9% from three. The Bucks shot 35.4% in the first half and 13.6% from three. Murray had 13 points, 4 assists, and superb Lillard defense. Jalen Johnson scored 14, rebounded 5, and assisted. Bogdanovic had another excellent Hawks game and impressive second quarter. 

The most stunning first-half stat: the Hawks kept Lillard to 0 points. Murray deserves praise, but tonight’s defense against the Bucks was much superior than yesterday’s. 

Milwaukee couldn’t close the gap in the second half, and the Hawks won easily. Young had 20 points, 11 assists, Capela 12 points, 12 rebounds, and Johnson 14 points, 7 rebounds. Atlanta shot 50.5% overall and 40.5% from three. It was a tremendous team performance and method to win. 

A good win for the club, but much room for improvement. Atlanta plays Minnesota tomorrow night at home.