A thrilling NBA encounter unfolded in Atlanta, where the Milwaukee Bucks, led by the formidable Giannis Antetokounmpo, narrowly escaped a three-game losing streak. The Bucks, down by 23 points in the second half, staged a remarkable comeback, ultimately prevailing over the Atlanta Hawks by a score of 112-110.
The Hawks, inspired by Jalen Johnson's 3-pointer with just over a minute remaining, took a 105-104 lead. However, the Bucks responded with a pair of 3-pointers from AJ Green and Bobby Portis, and a powerful basket from Antetokounmpo, sealing the deal with 36 seconds left on the clock.
Despite their early struggles from beyond the arc, missing their first 21 3-point attempts, the Hawks fought back, trimming a 16-point halftime deficit to just three points heading into the fourth quarter.
The game's turning point came when CJ McCollum's off-balance shot clanked off the rim, allowing the Bucks to secure the victory.
Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 32 points, while Johnson contributed 28 points and 16 rebounds. The Bucks, however, showcased a more balanced attack, with six players reaching double-digit scoring.
A notable lineup change for the Bucks saw Kevin Porter Jr. dropped from the starting five, with Kyle Kuzma taking his place. Porter, who had started all 36 games this season, had a rough patch in January, including an 0-for-9 shooting performance in the Bucks' previous game, a blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Hawks' home struggles continued, dropping to a 7-13 record at State Farm Arena, while they boast a respectable 13-12 record on the road.
As part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration, Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, were honored during a timeout in the third quarter.
The Bucks now return home to face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Hawks travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies.
