Despite Trae Young’s absence due to a foot injury, the Atlanta Hawks dominated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. Atlanta won 110-88 to even the series at 2-2, thanks to strong performances from a number of players, including Young’s replacement in the starting lineup, Lou Williams.
In the absence of Young, Atlanta’s narrative of the night was how a team effort carried them to victory. Williams (a game-high 21 points) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (20 points) were the only players to score in double figures, while Clint Capela (15), Kevin Huerter (15), Cam Reddish (12), and Danilo Gallinari (10) each scored in the tens. Williams, in particular, could not have done a better job of filling his role, finishing 7-for-9 from the field and nailing two of his three three-point attempts while adding eight assists and five rebounds.
Regardless, the absence of Young resulted in one of the most well-balanced performances we’ve seen from a team this postseason.
Capela was the one who used the exclamation point. As the shot clock ticked down, the big dude was being pressured by Brook Lopez, who isn’t exactly known for his offensive skill. He had no choice but to step out of boundaries and raise a prayer, which was answered.
In Milwaukee, almost no one had a memorable night. Jrue Holiday had 19 points and nine assists to lead them, while Khris Middleton had 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. But it was both players who scored, as they went 6-for-17 from the field.
Maybe things might have turned out differently if Giannis Antetokounmpo hadn’t been injured. On 7-for-10 shooting, the former league MVP had 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, but he went down with a hyperextended left knee injury early in the third quarter. Antetokounmpo, like Young, is unsure whether he will be able to play again in the series.
Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals will take place on Thursday night. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST on TNT from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
