The Atlanta Hawks took Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. The 116-113 victory was both surprising and telling for both teams. It started off normal enough but the twists and turns in the heart of the game would have made your head spin. The 13 lead changes seemed like twice that as the momentum shifted with every basket.
Both teams will reset a get ready for Game 2 but only won will be trying to recreate Game 1
For the Hawks, they have to take solace in knowing they stole home-court advantage and didn’t need to play their best ball to do it. The Bucks could feel similarly about their play, but they would have to acknowledge all the things that went in their favor just to lose.
Neither team shot well from three-point range, but Milwaukee was dominant on the interior early on. That would change in the second half, but not by accident.
It came down to the wire but it always felt like the Hawks could gut it out.
The Atlanta Hawks took Game 1 and home-court advantage from the Milwaukee Bucks
Even as the Bucks took a seven-point lead with about three minutes left in the fourth, the Hawks didn’t seem phased. Going about their business as they’ve done this entire postseason, Atlanta continues to play their game regardless of the situation. That kind of poise has been throwing off a lot of top contenders lately.
Let’s take a look at how the Hawks won Game 1 and what it means for the rest of the Eastern Conference Finals.