The Milwaukee Bucks overcame the Atlanta Hawks 112-110 after squandering a 23-point lead in the second half and ending their three-game skid on Monday evening.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 21 points and 17 rebounds, with six other Milwaukee players also scoring in double figures.
The Hawks briefly took a 105-104 lead on Jalen Johnson’s three with 1:11 left, but the Hawks went on to drop their fourth straight game in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchup in his hometown. AJ Green and Bobby Portis answered with back to back three pointers, Johnson committed a turnover, and Giannis Antetokounmpo finished strong at the rim to push Milwaukee ahead 109-105 with 36 seconds remaining.
Bucks survive the Hawks late rally
Atlanta remained within striking distance after Nickeil Alexander Walker hit a three and Ryan Rollins split his free throws for Milwaukee. The comeback attempt ended moments later when CJ McCollum mishandled the ball and tossed up an off balance shot that rattled off the rim.
CJ MCCOLLUM FOR THE TIE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZO72CVkRyZ
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) January 19, 2026
The Hawks nearly pulled off the win despite missing their first 21 attempts from beyond the arc, trailing 54-38 at halftime and falling behind 74-51 midway through the third quarter before finding their rhythm. Nickeil Alexander Walker led the surge with 32 points, while Jalen Johnson added 28 points and 16 rebounds.
The Bucks adjusted their starting lineup by moving Kevin Porter Jr. to the bench and inserting Kyle Kuzma into the opening group after Porter had started all 22 of his games this season.
Atlanta’s home issues persisted, as the Hawks fell to 7-13 at State Farm Arena, a sharp contrast to their stronger 13-12 record away from home.
The Bucks head back home on Wednesday to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
