The Milwaukee Bucks (15 - 15) defeated the Atlanta Hawks (21 - 8) 107 - 77 on Friday at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The Bucks shot very well in this one, going 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from the three - point line. They were able to use a strong defensive presence in the second half to hold the Hawks to only 16 in the third quarter and 19 in the fourth. The Bucks were also able to force the Hawks into 23 turnovers, even furthering their advantage in a 30 - point blow out win. The Bucks' bench played a key role in this one, with Jared Dudley ending as the star of the game. Dudley came off the bench and went a perfect 10 - for - 10 from the field and 4 - for - 4 from beyond the arc to score 24 points. Averaging only 6 points per game so far this season, it was a nice surprise for the Bucks, as the Hawks could n't find anyone who could slow him down from on the defensive side of the ball. Brandon Knight also continued with his strong play. He finished the game with 16 points (5 - 11 FG, 2 - 6 3Pt, 4 - 4 FT) and five rebounds. Knight is now averaging 25 points in his last two outings, as he's really found his shooting stroke lately. Getting the start at center with Larry Sanders sitting out, Zaza Puchulia posted an efficient 14 points (6 - 9 FG, 2 - 2 FT) and eight rebounds in 26 minutes. The 14 points matched a season - high for him. Despite not playing the toughest defense, the Hawks also struggled offensively. After contributuing solid numbers all year, DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Korver really struggled in this one. They went a combined 1 - for - 14 from the field and 1 - for - 10 from the three - point line to score three points. Paul Millsap had the most success out of anyone. He finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, marking his seventh double - double of the year. The only other Hawks to reach double figures in points were Al Horford and Jeff Teague, who scored 13 and 12 points respectively. The Bucks and Hawks will square off again on Saturday in their second of back - to - back games.
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