5 reasons why Atlanta Hawks lost to Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals | 2021 NBA Playoffs

#3 The Atlanta Hawks' struggles from the 3-point range continued

Fans react after Bogdan Bogdanovic (#13) of the Atlanta Hawks hit a three-point basket.

The Atlanta Hawks have failed to punish the Milwaukee Bucks from beyond the arc despite having open looks. Since Bogdan Bogdanovic had a knock that impaired his mobility, no one else has stepped up to knock down threes for the Hawks.

Bogdan Bogdanovic made 2 of 4 threes as he tries to play through some knee soreness. pic.twitter.com/B0UgTXJbMY

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) June 26, 2021

It was more of the same from the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2, as their shooting percentage from the 3-point range matched that in Game 1 (25%).

The reason 3-point shooting is important for the Hawks is because it is their most lethal weapon if they are to overcome the Milwaukee Bucks and their top-tier rim protectors. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez in the paint, John Collins and Clint Capela could have a difficult time being productive.

Capela's struggles have also hurt the team, as he registered only two points against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2. His size mismatch could be a problem for the Atlanta Hawks, which is why their 3-point shooting needs to improve.

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#4 The Atlanta Hawks failed to protect the rim

Clint Capela (#15) of the Atlanta Hawks draws an offensive foul as Joel Embiid (#21) of the Philadelphia 76ers drives into him.

Although the Atlanta Hawks do not have elite rim protectors in their roster, their effort defending the rim was tough to watch.

The Milwaukee Bucks have hurt the Hawks in this series, considering the number of points the former have gotten in the paint. In Game 1, the Bucks had 70 points in the paint, while in Game 2, the number was 62.

This up-and-under from Giannis against Clint Capela was clean. pic.twitter.com/YqjNkiLf2P

— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) June 26, 2021

The Atlanta Hawks did a better job protecting the paint in the second round despite having to defend against one of the best post-up players in the league. If there was a strategy to slow down Joel Embiid in a 7-game series, the same should be used against the Milwaukee Bucks, who are pounding the Hawks in the paint.

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#5 The Atlanta Hawks were outclassed by the Milwaukee Bucks on the boards

Brook Lopez (#11) of the Milwaukee Bucks

Rebounding has always been a crucial factor in the NBA playoffs, and the Milwaukee Bucks are well aware of that. The Atlanta Hawks were dominated on both the offensive and defensive glass.

The Bucks grabbed 16 offensive rebounds that resulted in 24 second-chance points. Overall, the Bucks had a total of 47 rebounds in the game, while the Hawks could only muster 34.