The Milwaukee Bucks found a spark in a key rotation adjustment during their 112-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks, showing that a lineup tweak could pay dividends. Shifting Kevin Porter Jr. from the starting lineup to the bench provided the balance Milwaukee had been missing, with the second unit finally producing at a level that made a difference.
The Bucks have opted for a starting lineup change today in Atlanta.
Kevin Porter Jr. had started all 21 games he has played in since he returned to action on Nov. 29 in Brooklyn. https://t.co/VVch6o488z
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 19, 2026
All four bench players, Porter, Gary Harris, Bobby Portis, and Pete Nance, posted positive plus-minus marks, with Porter providing the shot creation the team needed to stay competitive during crucial stretches. Nance also earned his first meaningful minutes of the season, adding energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility that the Bucks’ frontcourt had lacked.
The starters, meanwhile, still struggled to maintain dominance. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 21 points and 17 rebounds but finished with a minus-eight rating, while AJ Green, who hit six 3-pointers, was the only starter with a positive impact.
Bucks survive Hawks’ late rally
Without the bench stepping up, the Bucks could have faltered in the fourth quarter after Atlanta stormed back from a 21-point deficit to take a brief lead.
Ultimately, the combination of Giannis, Kyle Kuzma, and Green helped seal the win, but it was the improved bench performance that gave the Bucks just enough cushion to survive a late Hawks rally.
With the Milwaukee now closer to the lottery than playoff contention, every victory matters in the fight to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Head Coach Doc Rivers’ rotation changes could be the boost this team needs to start turning the season around.
During a timeout early in the third quarter, Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, were honored as part of the holiday celebrations.
The Bucks return home on Wednesday night to face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
