Giannis Antetokounmpo (#34) of the Milwaukee Bucks drives toward the rim in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., June 25, 2021. /CFP
The Milwaukee Bucks smashed the Atlanta Hawks 125-91 at Fiserv Forum on Friday, tying the Eastern Conference Finals 1-1.
It's not surprising that the Bucks were able to bounce back from the loss in Game 1, which was by three points only, but it was a bit shocking that the Hawks looked so vulnerable in Game 2.
The Bucks led in each of the first three quarters 34-28, 43-17, and 26-18, respectively. The true turning point of the game happened in the second quarter when the Bucks launched a 33-8 run in 8:22.
Brook Lopez (#11) of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum, June 25, 2021. /CFP
During that period of time, the Hawks committed six turnovers and allowed 11 fast break points by the opponents. Four of those turnovers came from Trae Young, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton both delivered a cross-court long pass assist.
The Bucks committed 14 steals, caused 19 turnovers by the Hawks, and led 27-12 in fast break points for the whole game. This was their key to victory in Game 2, not the 15-42 triple shooting performance.
Antetokounmpo played less than 30 minutes in Friday's game which was actually long gone after the first half. Scoring 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists were basically his average numbers, just like his shooting performance of 11-15 under the rim and 2-8 in jumpers. The Greek Freak's defensive work deserved more praise. He did a good job keeping Young off the ball and reading the Hawks' ball movement.
Jrue Holiday (#21) of the Milwaukee Bucks drives toward the rim in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum, June 25, 2021. /CFP
Jrue Holiday made key contributions to the Bucks on offense when they extended their lead from a catchable six (38-32) to desperate 31 (71-40). 14 of his 22 points happened in Q2, and 11 were via fast break. Middleton was 6-13 on the field and 2-7 in triples to get 15 points. It was better than his performance in Game 1 but still far from the level the Bucks expected him to reach in this series.
On the Hawks side, Young and his nine turnovers were definitely the chief culprits behind this painful loss. His underperforming orchestrating gave the opponents what they needed the most to tear the Hawks apart in waves of fast break. Apparently, the Bucks studied his offensive habits and did a good job both interrupting his rhythm and predicting his choices.
Trae Young (#11) of the Atlanta Hawks is surrounded by defenders of the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Fiserv Forum, June 25, 2021. /CFP
Young did not shoot at all in the paint on Friday and tried too many (seven, six missed) deep 3-pointers. Many of his passes to the big men inside were not well-thought either. He needed to make smarter decisions in the following two games when they returned home.
That should also be a requirement for other playmakers of the Hawks like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter. It's the team's advantage that they have more guys to deal with the ball and the key to keep Young from fighting a lone battle.
Game 3 will happen at State Farm Arena on Sunday.