Key Takeaways:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 21 points and 17 rebounds as the Bucks triumphed 112-110 over the Hawks
- Milwaukee ended their three-game skid despite relinquishing a 23-point lead in the second half
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker paced Atlanta with 32 points as the Hawks suffered their fourth consecutive defeat
Match Summary and Dramatic Finish
Giannis Antetokounmpo notched 21 points and claimed 17 rebounds to spearhead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 112-110 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, drawing a line under their recent three-game losing run. The fixture, played on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Atlanta, featured a Bucks side that initially cruised before enduring a determined Hawks comeback that saw a 23-point second-half lead evaporate.
The momentum turned late in the game as Jalen Johnson drained a three-pointer to put Atlanta ahead 105-104 with 1:11 remaining. However, the Bucks rallied: AJ Green and Bobby Portis nailed consecutive threes, then Antetokounmpo crashed inside for a vital basket, lifting Milwaukee 109-105 ahead with just 36 seconds left on the clock.
Got it done. pic.twitter.com/07TucPXPm7
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 19, 2026
Despite a timely long-range effort from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and a missed free throw by Ryan Rollins that left the door ajar for Atlanta, CJ McCollum’s mishandling of the ball forced an off-balance shot as time ran out, sealing Milwaukee’s victory.
Bucks Line-up Adjustment and Player Contributions
Milwaukee opted for a lineup change, moving Kevin Porter Jr. out of the starting five for the first time in his 22 appearances this season, inserting Kyle Kuzma into the starters. Porter saw 28 minutes off the bench, delivering nine points, seven assists and six rebounds after a challenging outing against San Antonio. Six Bucks players finished in double figures, highlighting a well-distributed offensive effort.
Hawks’ Home Struggles and Statistical Overview
The Hawks, who missed their opening 21 three-point attempts, trailed 54-38 at the half and 74-51 nearing the midpoint of the third quarter before staging their comeback. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the hosts with 32 points, while Jalen Johnson tallied 28 points and 16 rebounds. The defeat extends Atlanta’s home woes, dropping their State Farm Arena record to 7-13, compared with a 13-12 mark on the road.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Top Rebounder | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 21 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 17 |
| Atlanta Hawks | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | 32 | Jalen Johnson | 16 |
Honouring Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The game was marked by a tribute as Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, were honoured during a timeout early in the third quarter as part of the holiday observance in Dr King’s home city.
Looking Ahead
Milwaukee return home to host the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while Atlanta travel to Memphis to meet the Grizzlies on the same evening.
