Milwaukee's Corey Maggette scored 14 of the Bucks first 22 points however it is the Hawks leading 47-44 at halftime. The Hawks settled in defensively late in the first quarter and held Milwaukee to just 39% shooting in the first half. Atlanta led 23-22 at the end of the first quarter before a 13-2 run in the second had them leading 44-36. A couple of Carlos Delfino 3-point baskets pulled the Bucks within striking distance at the half 47-44.
For the Hawks, Al Horford and Marvin Williams made their return from injury. Horford played 20 first half minutes while scoring eight points and grabbing five rebounds. Marvin Williams came off the bench playing just over six minutes and scored his only points on a 3-point shot that gave the Hawks the lead in the first quarter. Coach Drew said during the pre-game that the plan was for Marvin to play about 20 minutes in this one as he works himself back into game shape.
Josh Smith led the way for Atlanta with 10 points on 4-11 shooting. Smith held a match-up advantage over Corey Maggette but didn't attack him in the post until late in the half which forced Maggette to the bench with foul trouble. Atlanta needs to push Smith down on the block and look to further exploit that match-up in the second half.
Atlanta also out rebounded the Bucks in the first half holding a 26-21 advantage at the half.