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The Atlanta Hawks have matched the Milwaukee Bucks stride for stride in the 2021 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Although the Bucks started off as the overwhelming favorites, the Hawks have managed to take two games off them, with the series now square at two games apiece.
There has been a lot of drama, taunting and record-breaking performances, as is expected when two talented teams meet.
The Atlanta Hawks do not have much experience in the playoffs but have reached the Conference finals for the first time since 2015. The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, have a nice blend of experienced players and are looking to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.
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Both teams are likely to play without their key players in Game 5, so it'll be interesting to see how they fare in the absence of their stars. Ahead of the fifth game between the two teams, let's take a deep dive and look at five talking points from the series thus far.
#1 The Milwaukee Bucks have dominated the Atlanta Hawks in the paint
The Milwaukee Bucks have used their size well against the Atlanta Hawks, as there is an obvious mismatch between the two teams in the frontcourt. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez have dominated the paint in rebounding and scoring against the Hawks.
So far in the series, the Milwaukee Bucks have led the rebound count and the points in the paint tally.
In Game 1, the Bucks recorded 70 of their 113 points in the paint while grabbing 45 rebounds. It was more of the same in Game 2, where they registered 62 points and 47 rebounds.
Losing Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 4 resulted in a significant drop in the Bucks' points tally in the paint. For the first time in the series, the Atlanta Hawks outscored the Milwaukee Bucks in the area.
#2 Both teams have struggled to shoot threes
Three-point shooting has not been a strong feature for either team in this series. Although their 3-point shooting percentages have increased in recent games, it was a horrendous showing from both teams in Games 1 and 2. Nevertheless, the Atlanta Hawks have the edge against the Milwaukee Bucks from the perimeter as their shooting has significantly improved.
The Milwaukee Bucks shot 25% from distance in Game 1. The Atlanta Hawks fared worse, though, managing only 22.2% from downtown. In the three other games thus far, the Bucks' shooting percentage has hovered a little over the 35% mark.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks have shown massive improvement in that category. They were at their best in that category in Game 3, shooting 40.5%. Unsurprisingly, Trae Young (11) has the most 3-points made for the Atlanta Hawks, while Jrue Holiday (10) has been the Milwaukee Bucks' leader in this category.
#3 The Atlanta Hawks can secure victories without Trae Young
Trae Young has been the standout performer for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 NBA playoffs and has continued to shine against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Since Round 1 Game 1, he has shown incredible poise, rallying the Hawks to several gritty wins. Rooting for the Atlanta Hawks to overcome the Milwaukee Bucks without their youngster will be near impossible, or at least that's what most will think.
The Atlanta Hawks introduced veteran guard Lou Williams to the starting lineup after Young was unable to suit up for his team in Game 4. Although he stayed on in Game 3 after tripping on a referee, Young was ruled out of Game 4 due to a right foot bone bruise.
In his absence, the Atlanta Hawks managed a wire-to-wire win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Although Antetokounmpo was in the game before sustaining a knee injury in the second half, the Bucks were held to their lowest scoring half in the 2021 NBA playoffs, registering only 38 points in the first half.
Lou, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Clint Capela and Cam Reddish were all inspirational in the 110-88 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4. While Young is being sorely missed, the Atlanta Hawks have shown that they can continue to deliver even when he is not on the court.
#4 The Milwaukee Bucks will most likely play the rest of the series without Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is an integral part of the Milwaukee Bucks, as he is dependable in both offense and defense. With contributions from Khris Middleton and Holiday, Antetokounmpo has led the Bucks to their deepest run in the NBA playoffs in a while
But the Milwaukee Bucks might have to face the Atlanta Hawks for the remainder of this series without the two-time MVP. For the Bucks to go through, Middleton and Holiday have to step up.
The Milwaukee Bucks forward sustained his injury following an awkward landing after going for a rebound against Clint Capela. He stayed down for a while before limping to the locker room with help from his brother.
Official reports have revealed that Antetokounmpo has a left knee extension, which was a relief, as it looked worse. Although listed as doubtful for Game 5, his status was changed to 'out' a few hours before tip-off. With only three games to play in the series, it is unclear if he will be fit to play if there is a Game 7.
#5 The Atlanta Hawks' youngsters have held their ground against the more experienced Milwaukee Bucks
The Atlanta Hawks have given the Milwaukee Bucks a run for their money this series despite having several playoff debutants in their roster. They have handled the pressure well and have surpassed expectations.
The Milwaukee Bucks have tried to assert their dominance on several occasions, registering two emphatic victories. However, the young Atlanta Hawks team has shown resolve and composure to stay in the series.
While the series is still up for the taking, nothing will be left to chance as teams that have underrated the Atlanta Hawks in the past have been left disappointed. Whoever advances to the NBA Finals will square up against the Chris Paul-led Phoenix Suns.
