By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Atlanta Hawks needed all the small details to click to win another game and they just did that in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, 110-88.
Trying to notch their first win on their home floor without superstar Trae Young, head coach Nate McMillan’s emphasis on total team effort and bench production led the way to their convincing victory.
Lou Williams’ insertion into the starting lineup paid off big time after showing why he was a former Sixth Man of the Year in the NBA.
His ability to score and read the opposing team’s defensive schemes was evident after putting up 21 points, eight dimes, and five rebounds.
The Hawks led from the get-go and did not squander any opportunity and were up 51-38 heading into the second half.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was also a major highlight and scored his first double-digit production of the series with 20 points off six made three-pointers in 33 minutes of playing time.
Also, the emergence of former no.10 pick Cam Reddish provided the scoring punch that the Hawks needed off the bench.
Reddish was outstanding from the field, scoring 12 points in just 23 minutes of action and sank five of his nine attempts.
His defensive tenacity and efficiency also helped the Hawks maintain their double-digit lead as he hounded Khris Middleton and forced a couple of turnovers.
Perhaps the major turnaround of the game was during the 7:20 mark of the third quarter when Bucks’ franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo fell awkwardly and hyper extended his knee after an attempt to block an alley-oop delivered to Clint Capela.
The Greek Freak was immediately helped to their locker room for further diagnosis and would not return to action.
With the series now tied at two games apiece, it is now all up to Middleton and Jrue Holiday to defend their home court if Antetokounmpo will be ruled out of the series.
