ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks continued their impressive run, securing their ninth consecutive victory with a commanding 122-99 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. CJ McCollum led the charge with 30 points, while Jalen Johnson delivered a stellar all-around performance, recording his 12th triple-double of the season.
Johnson finished with 23 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, fueling Atlanta’s offensive engine and solidifying their position as one of the NBA’s hottest teams. The Hawks’ winning streak is currently the longest active streak in the league, a testament to their recent form and cohesive play. McCollum’s scoring outburst was punctuated by seven successful three-pointers, and in the process, he surpassed Paul Pierce for 16th place on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list with 2,147.
The game wasn’t without its shifts in momentum. The first half saw six lead changes and four ties, ultimately ending with the Hawks holding a 60-52 advantage at the break. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 20 points for Atlanta, providing crucial support alongside McCollum and Johnson. The Hawks truly broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Bucks 35-26, with McCollum adding 11 points to his tally during that stretch.
For the Bucks, Ryan Rollins was the leading scorer with 22 points. However, Milwaukee struggled without the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was sidelined after suffering a sprained left ankle during Thursday’s 112-105 loss to the Miami Heat. Kevin Porter Jr. Added 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in Antetokounmpo’s absence, while Dyson Daniels, returning from a one-game absence due to a toe sprain, contributed eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
The Hawks’ victory was particularly notable given the absence of Jonathan Kuminga, who was ruled out with a knee injury, having missed three of the past four games. Atlanta’s current winning streak began with a 115-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on February 22nd, and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down.
The Hawks’ offensive efficiency was a key factor in their success. They consistently found open looks and capitalized on the Bucks’ defensive vulnerabilities. Johnson’s playmaking ability was also instrumental, as he consistently found teammates for simple baskets, creating a fluid and dynamic offensive attack. Atlanta’s ability to control the pace of the game and limit Milwaukee’s opportunities in transition proved decisive.
Milwaukee, without their star player, struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. Rollins provided a spark off the bench, but the Bucks lacked the overall firepower to keep pace with the Hawks’ balanced attack. The absence of Antetokounmpo exposed a clear need for more consistent scoring options beyond their primary stars.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will gaze to extend their winning streak when they host the Orlando Magic on Monday night. The Bucks, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back when they host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon. These upcoming contests will provide both teams with opportunities to refine their strategies and address areas for improvement as the regular season progresses.
This win for Atlanta isn’t just about the streak; it’s about building momentum heading into the playoffs. The Hawks are demonstrating a level of consistency and confidence that wasn’t always present earlier in the season. For Milwaukee, the injury to Antetokounmpo is a significant setback, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their capabilities.
The Hawks’ success is a testament to their team chemistry and the leadership of coach Quin Snyder. They’ve found a winning formula that emphasizes ball movement, defensive intensity, and a commitment to playing as a unit. The Bucks, under coach Doc Rivers, are still searching for that same level of cohesion, particularly in the absence of their key players.
The game also highlighted the importance of depth in the NBA. Atlanta’s ability to overcome Kuminga’s absence and still deliver a dominant performance speaks volumes about the quality of their roster. Milwaukee, clearly felt the impact of Antetokounmpo’s absence, underscoring the need for reliable backup options.
Up Next: The Atlanta Hawks will face the Orlando Magic at home on Monday night. The Milwaukee Bucks will host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon.
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