In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, both the Bucks and Hawks were without their best players. Trae Young (ankle) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) are both hoping to return later in the series, but neither could go on Thursday.
We broke down Game 5 in a battle of secondary stars here.
No. 3 Bucks 123, No. 5 Hawks 112
MIL Leads Series 3-2
The Bucks got out to a 20-point lead early in Game 5 and never looked back. While the Hawks chipped away at the lead late, they never were really within reach of pulling off the comeback. Without Young and Antetokounmpo, it truly a game in which Milwaukee’s players rose to the occasion and played better without their superstar.
Brook Lopez led all scorers with 33 points to go along with seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Jrue Holiday dished out 13 assists while scoring 25 points while Khris Middleton contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Bobby Portis drew the start for the Bucks and was excellent, producing 22 points and eight boards. For the Hawks, Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way with 28 shots (7-for-16 from three) while Danilo Gallinari poured in 19 off the bench. Game 6 will take place in Atlanta as the Hawks look to avoid elimination.
