5 Reasons why Atlanta Hawks won 116-113 against Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals | 2021 NBA Playoffs

#3 The Atlanta Hawks took advantage of their free throws

Free throw shooting provided the edge for the Atlanta Hawks against the Milwaukee Bucks in this fixture. While the Milwaukee Bucks matched the Hawks in other aspects, this was the singular area where Nate McMillan's side dominated.

Young scored 11 points in fourth quarter, including six of the final nine for the Hawks from the free throw line in the final 2:21.The Bucks didn't make a field goal in the final 2:08.https://t.co/rVuUFVKmFo

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 24, 2021

Although both teams had a quiet game with respect to getting to the line, the Atlanta Hawks converted on the few opportunities that came. Only three players went to the line for both teams as it was not quite a physical contest. Regardless, the Hawks shot 87.5%, missing only two shots, while the Milwaukee Bucks ended the game with 78.6% shooting from the charity stripe.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his impressive shooting from the charity stripe, going 6-of-8 in this matchup.

#4 The Milwaukee Bucks failed to match the Atlanta Hawks' pace on defense

John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks

Defense was not a strong point for the Bucks in this game as they were lackadaisical on that end. The second-round series will serve as a benchmark because the Bucks fought for every possession. In this game, they allowed the young Atlanta Hawks team to control the pace.

Understandably, the Atlanta Hawks' young squad had more energy to run up and down the court. But Milwaukee Bucks players showed no willingness to put in the extra effort. The Bucks have a lot of restructuring to do as there were a lot of unfair matchups.

For the Atlanta Hawks, John Collins was the most impressive player on defense, forcing the Milwaukee Bucks to take difficult shots.

#5 The Milwaukee Bucks shot the ball dreadfully from beyond the arc

Jrue Holiday #21 and Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks

While both teams were poor from 3-point range, the Atlanta Hawks were slightly better. Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks was the best 3-point shooter of the night, but his 5-of-12 shooting was not enough to resuscitate what was a cold shooting night for the team. Middleton lost his shooting range completely, converting zero out of nine attempts.

Jrue Holiday had a great game despite the L 📈🏀 33 PTS🏀 10 ASTS🏀 5 REBS🏀 14/26 FG🏀 5/12 3PT FG pic.twitter.com/Ejxe9LCJ30

— NBA Analysis Network (@HoopAnalysisNet) June 24, 2021

Although Bogdan Bogdanovic's struggles continued, Trae Young bailed out the Atlanta Hawks, shooting 4-of-13 from downtown, while four others managed one each. In the end, the Hawks shot 25% from 3-point range, while the Milwaukee Bucks shot at 22%.

While there was little difference in productivity, both teams were evenly matched as they both converted only eight shots from downtown. The same goes for the field goal as the Atlanta Hawks shot 47/95 while the Milwaukee Bucks shot 47/102.