Career night from rookie propels short-handed Atlanta to impressive victory over previously undefeated Milwaukee
Rookie AJ Griffin posted a career-high 24 points and grabbed 3 steals off the bench, Dejounte Murray added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Atlanta Hawks (7-3) ended the Milwaukee Bucks' (9-1) record-breaking start to the season despite the absence of star point guard Trae Young (shin).
The Bucks leaped out to an early lead thanks to an impressive display of three-point shooting led by Grayson Allen, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez. Each hit multiple shots from beyond the arc during a first quarter in which Milwaukee shot 8/11 (72.7%) from distance. A surge from Atlanta's bench led by Griffin to open the second quarter, though, weathered the storm and kept the Hawks in the game. The 11-point lead the Bucks held entering the second quarter was cut to six by halftime, and the Hawks would eventually take their first lead of the game a couple of minutes into the second half and never look back.
After a strong first quarter, Milwaukee's three-point shooting was abysmal for the final three quarters, shooting a collective 5/27 (18.5%) from deep. Milwaukee also struggled to keep Atlanta off the free throw line after the break, fouling early and often to start the second half and allowing the Hawks to get to the bonus by the eight-minute mark of a third quarter that the Hawks dominated 37-22, effectively putting the game away.
Atlanta's electrifying defense caused Milwaukee all sorts of problems—the Bucks shot a mere 41.4% and turned the ball over 19 times, the most in a single game so far this season. Part of this can be attributed to the absence of Young and shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee). Although an elite offensive scorer, Young's small frame can sometimes make him vulnerable on the defensive side of the ball. According to NBA.com, Young is the Hawks' worst defender averaging more than five minutes per game in terms of defensive rating (113.1), and though Bogdanovic is yet to touch the court this season, his defensive rating was even worse last year (115.2), according to StatMuse. In their steads, Aaron Holiday, Jalen Johnson, and Griffin all saw an increase in minutes and offered a more physical, defensive presence relative to Young and Bogdanovic.
For Milwaukee, the play of forward Jordan Nwora's continues to be a cause for concern. In 17 minutes against the Hawks, he only managed to score four points, shooting 1/6 from the field. His field goal percentage, minutes per game, and points per game have all declined from last season—not a great look for a player entering just his third season in the league. His shot selection is questionable; his presence consistently disrupts the flow on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, he does not offer much either. Nwora has not recorded a block yet this season and, like Young for the Hawks, is dead last on the Bucks in defensive rating among players who play more than five minutes per game, according to NBA.com.
Looking forward, Milwaukee will hope to get back in the win column as they continue their road trip, traveling to Oklahoma City for their second matchup with the Thunder this season before making a final stop in San Antonio for a matchup against the Spurs. Hopefully, this loss will take some pressure off the shoulders of Giannis and Co. and eliminate any distraction that their winning streak had been causing.
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