Hawks help their playoff chances by downing Bucks
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 5:18 am
Hawks Soar Past Bucks in Crucial Playoff Race
Atlanta Hawks secured a significant 131-113 road victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, bolstering their playoff aspirations. The win marks the Hawks' fifth consecutive victory and provides a crucial boost in the standings against the Bucks, who are directly behind them in the fight for a play-in spot.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks' offensive charge with 23 points. Jalen Johnson, a Wisconsin native, contributed 20 points and a team-high nine assists. Onyeka Okongwu added 21 points and eight rebounds, while Dyson Daniels chipped in with 14 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.
Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, still under a minutes restriction due to injury, scored 24 points. Kyle Kuzma, who had been benched in the previous game, added 16 points off the bench.
The game began with a high-scoring first quarter, with the Bucks showcasing impressive shooting, hitting 73% of their shots from the field, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. However, the Hawks responded in the second quarter, keeping pace with the Bucks. Milwaukee held a narrow 71-66 lead at halftime.
The Hawks seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Bucks 23-5 to take a 12-point lead. They maintained their momentum throughout the second half, ultimately outscoring Milwaukee 87-60 from the middle of the third quarter through the fourth. The Bucks struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, going 2-of-16 from three-point range after starting strong. The series between the two teams is now tied at 1-1.
BNN's Perspective: This Hawks victory is a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities. While the Bucks' early offensive display was impressive, the Hawks' ability to adjust and maintain their performance throughout the game highlights their playoff potential. This win is a significant step towards securing a play-in spot, and the Hawks' consistent performance will be crucial as the season progresses.
Keywords: Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, basketball, playoff race, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, score, victory, game, standings, play-in, points, rebounds, assists, offense, three-pointers, series.