Turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers. Those are what doomed any hope for a Bucks come-from-behind victory a couple nights ago in our nation’s capitol, as Milwaukee could not get any consistent flow going on offense. It will surely be the main point of emphasis as the team searches to rebound tonight against the Southeast Division leading Atlanta Hawks at the Bradley Center.
photo: Jeff Hanisch, USA Today Sports
Despite committing a horrendous 27 turnovers against the Wizards, the Bucks showed that a will to claw back and not crumble, something that they had done earlier in Washington this year. That mentality of not turning belly up will be vital in tonight’s game against the Hawks, a team that is seasoned with All-Star leadership.
Atlanta is coming off of a rare blowout loss to the Hornets, meaning they will be aiming for redemption and be playing with an attitude. Forward Paul Millsap has been a beast as of late, rallying 19.2 points per game in his last 10 contests. His strong performance in the front court has him in competition of not only being an All-Star, but being a starter for the Eastern Conference. Whether Jabari or Giannis defends him, the Bucks will definitely have to keep an eye on him at all times.
The consistency of Al Horford cannot go without being noticed either when matching up with Atlanta. The eighth year man out of Florida averages over 15 points a game and poses a major threat on the glass, both offensively and defensively. Greg Monroe will have to make sure to eliminate as many second chance opportunities for Horford and the Hawks as possible.
While the Bucks have Giannis to provide a highlight reel play on occasion, the Hawks have their man as well, and that’s Mike Scott. Coming off the bench, Scott can provide a scoring spark for Atlanta just by making a single play. He has shown flamboyance on ferocious dunks flying through the lane and cocking the arm back and showing force, igniting his teammates to go on a run. Don’t be surprised if you see a major throwdown from him in tonight’s game.
The Hawks also pose a problem when it comes to crisp passing. Their 25.3 assists per game rank third best in the league. When matched up with teams that have stellar passing game this season, Milwaukee has not had too friendly of outcomes. The two Spurs games prove that point. However, by staying with their man and by utilizing quick hands, the Bucks may be able to slant the table on the turnover category from the Wizards game into their favor and eek out a victory at the Bradley Center over a tough Eastern Conference foe.