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USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks suffered an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Chicago Bulls in their last matchup. So, it was natural for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks to desperately want to get back on track as soon as possible. And that became possible within their very next matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Atlanta Hawks too came off a closely fought win against the San Antonio Spurs. They were looking to build on that. However, the Bucks duo made sure to outdo the All-Star tandem of Atlanta. Here are three takeaways from the game.
Damian Lillard gets his lick back
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The Milwaukee Bucks were in no mood to lose two games in a row as they faced off against the Atlanta Hawks. And one of the main driving factors of tonight’s win was none other than the seven-time All-Star, Damian Lillard.
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 2, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Lillard’s scoring was much needed in the Bucks’ loss to a handicapped Bulls in their last matchup. Moreover, Lillard’s last performance against the Atlanta Hawks was absolutely abysmal – the worst night he had this season so far.
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Dame Time finished the night scoring only 6 points in 29 minutes of action. Lillard went 2-212 from the field and 2-8 from beyond the arc to cap off a horrendous night for him in the second game of the season.
However, in this matchup, the Hawks saw the full wrath of Lillard as he went off for 25 points, along with 9 assists and 6 rebounds for the game. So, by the looks of it, Lillard managed to earn his respect back against the Hawks in their very next meeting.
A 62-point outburst went in vain
The Atlanta Hawks lost the game with a final score of 132-121. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with their scoring, along with some big help from players on the bench.
But that does not take away from the All-Star guard tandem of Atlanta. Both Trae Young and Dejounte Murray finished the game with a combined 62 points. Alas, their 62-point scoring outburst went in vain.
Trae Young led the team in scoring, finishing the night with 32 points, 12 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals for the game. As for Dejounte Murray, he had a 30-point outing, along with 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals for the night.
The rest of the Hawks starters did have respectable numbers too. Just not enough to take down the Bucks.
Bench gives Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest ample rest
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The Milwaukee Bucks were led by their All-Star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in terms of scoring. However, Malik Beasley too took the scoring upon himself to help the team float past the Hawks.
What made a big difference for the Bucks was their bench performance. Two players from the Bucks bench ended up scoring in double-digits. Bobby Portis finished the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes of action.
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But the main highlight was Cameron Payne. Payne played a total of 20 minutes and had an 18-point scoring outburst, something that the Hawks could not replicate. This also gave the Bucks’ starters ample time to rest as the bench was able to hold their ground.
The Bucks will go on to face the New York Knicks next. Let’s hope that Milwaukee is able to continue on this winning streak as their record now stands at 14-6.