NBA Playoff DifferenceMakers: June 25, 2021

What were the key stats and moments from the Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 2 drubbing of the Atlanta Hawks?

Milwaukee Bucks 125, Atlanta Hawks 91

Series tied 1-1

FINAL BOX SCORE

After a disappointed Game 1, the Milwaukee Bucks bounced back big and elevated their intensity in Game 2. This new energy translated to every aspect of their game. A 20-0 second quarter run, part of a dominant 43-17 frame, was the tone-setter for the rest of the game. The Bucks led by as many as 41 points, and both teams’ benchwarmers played out the entire fourth quarter. Through the first three quarters of the game, the Bucks shot 43.8 percent from 3-point range and forced 18 turnovers, turning them into 25 points.

Milwaukee did a much better job at defending Trae Young. They worked hard to deny him the ball early in possessions. At the least, it delayed Atlanta’s ability to initiate plays through him. At its most intense, it forced his teammates to figure out how to generate their own offense.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer did make between-game adjustments on how to defend Young. So when Trae did get the ball, Brook Lopez played the pick-and-roll closer to the free throw line to account for Young’s dangerous floaters.

As a result, Young was much less effective in the mid-range. His 5-of-8 output on non-restricted-area 2-pointers was a step down from his 10-of-17 performance in Game 1. When you add in his 1-of-8 shooting from 3-point range and zero attempts within the restricted area, it’s clear that Trae Young had a rough night. You can credit the Bucks’ defensive adjustments for that.

Giannis had another dominant night with 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Jrue Holiday followed up with 22 points on 9-of-14 (64.3 percent) shooting. However, the real x-factors in this game was the center battery of Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. Both played with renewed energy and made big plays on both ends of the floor.

Lopez came away with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting including three 3-pointers. He also had three steals and a block. Portis finished with seven points and three rebounds. He played with so much hustle and intensity that “Bobby” chants rang throughout Fiserv Forum all evening.

The Hawks have to take this L as a lesson. As the fifth seed, they have been on a Cinderella run the entire way. With this being their largest margin of defeat of these playoffs, it’s the first game where they have truly been punched in the mouth. Atlanta hasn’t been afraid of their opponents up to this point, so how will they respond in Game 3 on Sunday?