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Milwaukee has been on a roll. It extended its winning streak to
five games after defeating the Thunder 142-115 on Tuesday night.
It was a season high in points for the Bucks, who are averaging
128.4 points over their streak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced Milwaukee with 39 points, seven
rebounds and seven assists on 13-of-19 shooting. Although it was
an impressive performance, it snapped a streak of seven straight
double-doubles.
Khris Middleton notched 25 points and nine assists, and Bobby
Portis went for 18 points and 14 rebounds. Reserve Serge Ibaka
contributed 14 points, and Jrue Holiday had 13 as all five
starters scored in double figures.
"(Middleton) scores 44 the other day; and, if a team wants to
throw extra bodies at him and turn him into a passer, he's more
than willing, more than capable," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer
said. "I think Khris just takes what the defense gives and makes
the right play."
Brook Lopez will begin 5-on-5 scrimmaging soon but is still out
after getting back surgery. Pat Connaughton is also sidelined
after getting surgery on a fractured fourth metacarpal on his
right hand.
George Hill remains out with a neck injury, and Grayson Allen
could miss Wednesday's contest with a hip injury that prevented
him from playing against Oklahoma City.
The Hawks are coming off a 113-110 overtime loss to the Pistons
on Monday night that snapped a three-game winning streak.
De'Andre Hunter had a chance to force another extra period but
missed a 3-pointer as time expired.
Bogdan Bogdanovic paced Atlanta with 22 points, five rebounds
and six assists. John Collins added 17 points and 11 rebounds,
and Trae Young supplied 14 points and 12 assists on just 5-of-20
shooting.
"I think we brought it defensively. I mean obviously they only
scored 100 in regulation," Young said. "Not being able to score
and push the ball, I didn't think we had the right mindset
coming into the game. I think we need to play a little bit
faster."
Despite the loss, the Hawks still have been strong against
Eastern Conference opponents, winning five of their last eight
games.
Young also has been on an offensive tear, scoring at least 30
points in six of his last 11 games. The 6-foot-1 guard is
averaging 28.1 points during that span and has recorded seven
double-doubles.
Atlanta could be without Kevin Huerter on Wednesday after he
missed the game against Detroit with a shoulder injury. He is
currently listed as day-to-day.
However, Collins did make his return to the lineup on Friday
after missing seven games with a foot injury. The forward is
averaging 13 points and 8.5 rebounds since coming back and has
averaged 16.6 points and eight rebounds on the season.
Wednesday marks the third and final meeting of the season
between Milwaukee and the Hawks. Atlanta has a chance to sweep
the season series after earning wins on Nov. 14 and Jan. 17.
--Field Level Media
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