The Atlanta Hawks secured a convincing 127-110 victory on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, marking their first win of the season. This triumph was the result of a collective team effort, with eight players reaching double-digit scoring figures.
Head coach Quin Snyder shared his thoughts on the performance, stating, “I thought we executed tonight, and that’s always something that’s really good to be able to say. Those are the things that we’ve been working on. We talked a lot about trying to develop an identity as a team, and I think … our focus was on those things. It’s good to see, and it’s good to be rewarded for that execution.”
According to a report by AP News, when asked about how they can carry this effort into their upcoming game, Snyder’s message was straightforward: “You have to do it again.”
While Giannis Antetokounmpo had a solid game with 26 points on 64.3% shooting and 11 rebounds for the Bucks, the Hawks managed to limit Damian Lillard to just six points on 2-of-12 shooting, along with six turnovers. Snyder praised the defensive efforts of Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela, emphasizing their roles in containing Lillard.
“Sometimes guys, even great players, have rough nights,” Snyder noted. “I thought Dejounte did a terrific job, and I thought Clint did a terrific job. Those two guys … You can’t guard Damian Lillard with one guy. But there was a purpose with DJ. I think he was really focused.”
The Hawks held the Bucks to a season-low 110 points, an impressive feat considering Milwaukee’s reputation as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Snyder emphasized that their defensive efforts extended to their offense as well, highlighting the contributions of Murray and Capela. Murray finished with 15 points, five assists, two steals, and one block, while Capela recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Snyder also praised the coachability of both Murray and Trae Young and mentioned the versatility of their lineup combinations, including the deployment of Capela and Onyeka Okongwu simultaneously.
After a disappointing 0-2 start following a 41-41 season and a second consecutive first-round playoff exit, the Hawks are aiming to build on their recent success. Coach Snyder stressed the importance of replicating their efforts, emphasizing that sustained intensity can lead to consistent success.
The Hawks’ next challenge is against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who hold a 2-1 record. Minnesota is coming off a 106-90 victory over the Miami Heat on October 28th.