Heartbreak in Vegas: Hawks’ Late-Game Struggles Cost Them a Shot at NBA Cup Final

The Hawks’ run in the NBA Cup came to an end on Saturday as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 110-102 in the semifinals at T-Mobile Arena. While the loss stung, there were key takeaways from the game that highlighted both the team’s potential and the challenges they still need to overcome.

The Hawks were in the game until the very end, despite a rough patch in the final minutes. They had multiple opportunities to push for a lead but struggled with execution down the stretch. In the last five minutes, they went just 1-of-7 from the floor, and despite being down only by one or two possessions, they couldn’t capitalize on these chances. Dyson Daniels missed one of two crucial free throws, and a missed hook shot by De’Andre Hunter kept the game from being tied.

The Hawks also let Giannis Antetokounmpo leak out on a fast break, leading to an easy bucket that gave the Bucks a more comfortable lead. Ultimately, the Bucks’ experience prevailed as they held off the Hawks’ push.

Trae Young, who had a brilliant performance, was at the center of Atlanta’s offensive attack. He scored 12 of the team’s 49 first-half points and then took over in the third quarter, scoring 14 of his 35 total points. His shooting was almost flawless in that period, making 13 of his 14 attempts, including a clutch 27-foot 3-pointer that narrowed the Bucks’ lead. Young also showed off his free-throw shooting, making 14-of-17 attempts. On the defensive end, he wasn’t afraid to match up against the Bucks’ heavy hitters, contesting shots and even blocking a three-pointer from AJ Green.

However, Giannis was just as dominant for the Bucks. He finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 blocks, constantly imposing his will on both ends of the floor. His performance was a reminder of the challenge the Hawks face when going up against a player of his caliber.

In addition to struggling offensively late in the game, the Hawks also left points at the free-throw line, shooting only 22-of-34 (64.7%) after entering the game with a better percentage. The Bucks, on the other hand, shot 61% on their two-pointers, a stat that ultimately made the difference in the game.

Despite the loss, the Hawks showed resilience and growth. Jalen Johnson summed it up perfectly: “I’m proud of everybody. We defied a lot of odds coming in and making it all the way to Vegas. There’s nothing to hang our heads about. We just gotta keep moving in the right direction.” The Hawks showed that they are capable of competing at a high level, and while this tournament may have ended in disappointment, it served as a valuable learning experience to help them continue building towards future success.