Hawks Soar Past Bucks in Upset Victory

Atlanta takes down Milwaukee behind Kuminga's big night

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Atlanta Hawks pulled off an upset victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, 119-113, behind a standout performance from recently acquired forward Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga scored 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench, providing a major spark for an Atlanta team that has now won five straight games.

Why it matters

This win keeps the Hawks firmly in the Eastern Conference's 10th seed, maintaining their grasp on a Play-In Tournament spot. Meanwhile, the loss is a setback for the Bucks, who are trying to climb back into the postseason picture after an injury-plagued season. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup but was limited to just 25 minutes, unable to will his team to victory.

The details

Kuminga led the way for Atlanta, but he had plenty of help. Jalen Johnson recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 21 points. The Hawks' balanced scoring attack and ball movement proved too much for the Bucks, who struggled to contain Atlanta's perimeter shooting. Milwaukee shot just 34% from three-point range, well below their season average.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the Bucks' lineup on Monday after missing over a month with an injury.
  • The Hawks have now won five straight games, separating themselves from the Bucks in the Eastern Conference standings.

The players

Jonathan Kuminga

A 24-year-old forward for the Atlanta Hawks who was recently acquired via trade and has provided a major boost off the bench.

Jalen Johnson

A rising star for the Hawks, the 23-year-old forward is averaging a double-double this season and made his first All-Star team last month.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The superstar forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, a two-time MVP who is trying to lead his team back to the playoffs after an injury-plagued campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Jonathan really gave us a huge lift tonight. His energy and scoring punch off the bench was exactly what we needed to get this win.”

— Nate McMillan, Hawks Head Coach (ESPN)

“It's tough when you're trying to work your way back from an injury. I know Giannis is still getting his legs under him, but we were able to take advantage of that tonight.”

— Jalen Johnson, Hawks Forward (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Hawks will look to extend their winning streak to six games when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. The Bucks, meanwhile, will try to bounce back on the road against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

The takeaway

This victory showcases the Hawks' depth and resilience, as they were able to overcome the return of a superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo to pull off the upset. It also highlights the continued development of Jalen Johnson and the immediate impact of the Kuminga trade. For the Bucks, the loss is a reminder that they still have work to do to solidify their playoff positioning, even with their best player back in the lineup.