NBA Abu Dhabi Games: Atlanta Hawks clean sweep Milwaukee Bucks

Trae Young scored 31 points as Atlanta Hawks made it two pre-season wins in a row by defeating Milwaukee Bucks 118-109 in the final clash of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 at the Etihad Arena on Saturday.

The Hawks had won the first game 123-113 on Thursday.

In the landmark sporting event, the capacity crowd were treated to incredible plays, stylish passes and clinically converted points by both the teams.

Legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Vince Carter, Chris Bosh, Dominique Wilkins and Isaiah Thomas were in the house. And so were celebrities like Indian actor and NBA India brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, Egyptian actress Enjy Kiwan, American comedian Martin Lawrence, and TV host and comedian Steve Harvey. WBA light-heavyweight world champion boxer Dmitry Bivol, who is training in Abu Dhabi, was in attendance too.

The Bucks started without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was rusty in the first game. The defending champions set the ball rolling with a three-pointer from Bobby Portis and the Hawks soon levelled through Young. Young-Clint Capela's one-two saw the Hawks go ahead but the Bucks took the first quarter 25-24.

The second quarter began with a classy conversion from Portis. Jrue Holiday kept finding opportunities to score. Just as the Bucks seemed to gain control, Young delivered a series of three pointers and De’Andre Hunter scored a couple to drive the Hawks to lead 63-55 (39-30 in the second quarter) at half time.

At the break, fans were entertained to acrobatic dunks, peppy songs and dances.

The final two quarters saw both the teams test their bench strength. The Hawks’ AJ Griffin scored at will as the lead was extended to 96-75 (33-20 in the third quarter) and 118-109 by the end (22-34 in the fourth quarter).