MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks pushed the pace and kept their composure late in the fourth quarter. The Atlanta Hawks struggled to regain their footing in the closing minutes after their best ball-handler fouled out.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his teammates capitalized for a 122-117 win on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Antetokounmpo had 33 points and 12 rebounds, and Khris Middleton added 23 points for Milwaukee, which finished off the worst team in the Eastern Conference with a game-ending 11-5 run.
“We just trust one another, and we focused on our strengths,” Antetokounmpo said. “Then we were able to make some shots and then get multiple stops in a row.”
Two key stops late ended with lob passes downcourt to point guard Eric Bledsoe, who handed off the ball each time to teammates for easy transition buckets.
The Hawks didn’t have an answer after Dennis Schroder fouled out with 2:46 left. To make matters worse for Atlanta, Schroder was called for a technical foul after exchanging words with an official on the way to the sideline.
Middleton hit the free throw that started the run. The Hawks looked rushed on their next two possessions with a turnover and a blocked shot.
Trailing by 13 at one point, Atlanta put up a spirited fight before losing its 50th game of the year.
“It’s (Dennis’) sixth foul, it’s a shooting foul. You compound it with getting a technical,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Just giving up points when it’s that close, when it’s that tight. It’s hard. It’s a learning experience for all of us.”
Taurean Prince tied a career high with 38 points on 13-of-26 shooting, while Schroder finished with 18 points.
But his technical foul turned out to be a turning point in the game.
“It can’t happen. I’ve just got to be quiet and go to the bench and be better,” Schroder said.
The Bucks needed this victory to keep up in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race after an ugly loss on Wednesday at 49-loss Orlando, with the Cleveland Cavaliers up next on Monday.
“That’s important at the end of the day, closing the game out and getting the win,” coach Joe Prunty said.
Milwaukee had the early comeback, rallying from an 11-point deficit to take a 56-50 halftime lead after figuring out Atlanta’s effective pick-and-roll game.