Hawks help their playoff chances by downing Bucks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to an impactful 131-113 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

It's the fifth win in a row for the Hawks, who gained a game in the standings on the Bucks, who are directly behind them fighting for the final play-in spot.

Five other Hawks scored in double-figures, including 20 from Wisconsin native Jalen Johnson, who also dished a team-high nine assists. Onyeka Okongwu added 21 points with eight rebounds. Dyson Daniels chipped in 14 points and a team-high 10 boards.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 24 points in just 26 minutes as he is on a restriction post-injury. Kyle Kuzma, who played zero minutes in Milwaukee's last game due to "coaches' decision," scored 16 off the bench.

Both offenses got off to hot starts in this one, with Milwaukee in particular getting it done in the opening quarter.

The Bucks shot a whopping 73% from the floor in the opening frame, including 6-for-9 from deep, to gain a 38-25 edge going into the second.

The Hawks weren't fazed as they came back and kept up with the host's offense in the second. Both teams shot over 60% from the field in the held as Milwaukee took a slim 71-66 edge into the break.

Atlanta kept its momentum after halftime, which Milwaukee failed to do. The Hawks outscored the Bucks 23-5 to begin the third quarter, snagging a 12-point edge. They entered the fourth up 98-89.

Milwaukee could not get back into contention despite its efforts. After the first quarter, the Hawks outscored the Bucks 87-60 through the middle of the fourth quarter and cruised from there.

The Bucks started 11-of-19 from deep and proceeded to go 2-of-16 from beyond the arc in the second half.

Milwaukee had the opportunity to claim a potentially massive tiebreaker in the season series against Atlanta but the three-game series now stands even 1-1.

--Field Level Media