Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways From Loss to Atlanta Hawks

Jan 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after being fouled against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after being fouled against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center
Jan 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center

The Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Atlanta Hawks by a score of 111-98 on Sunday. Digging deeper, what are some things to take away from the game?

Sunday’s matinee game provided an opportunity for the Milwaukee Bucks to avenge their previous two losses to the Atlanta Hawks and continue a string of encouraging play that had them solidly in the playoff picture.

The Hawks came into this game winners of seven of their last eight games, only narrowly falling to the Boston Celtics on Friday. Atlanta recently dealt sharpshooter Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers, netting a first-round pick and Bucks villain Mike Dunleavy Jr. in return.

The Bucks jumped out to an early 21-14 lead in the first quarter thanks to a balanced scoring effort, but the Hawks soon stormed back to take a seven point lead at the break.

Although things got close early in the third and fourth quarters, Atlanta would never really look back, going on to win 111-98.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the leading scorer for the Bucks with 33 points, while Kent Bazemore led the way for the Hawks with 24.

This loss figures to have playoff implications – the Hawks were one spot ahead of the Bucks in the standings before the game, and with their win they now own the potential tiebreaker between the two teams.

All that being said, there’s plenty to learn about this game besides the result, so without further ado, let’s break down the major elements.