NBA Roundup: Johnson’s 35 Points Keep Hawks Hot; Brunson Adjusts for Knicks; Rivers’ New Look Lifts Bucks
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Atlanta — Jalen Johnson poured in 35 points Saturday night, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists to push the Atlanta Hawks past the Philadelphia 76ers, 125–116. Nine of Johnson’s points came in the fourth quarter as Atlanta stretched its winning streak to six games. “I think I’m always locked in,” Johnson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, noting the emotional boost that comes with late-game momentum.
Knicks Lean on Brunson’s Passing
New York — Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has traded scoring bursts for playmaking of late. He arrived at Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers having posted three consecutive double-digit assist games, then supplied seven more assists — along with seven turnovers — against L.A. Coach Mike Brown said opponents are zeroing in on Brunson. “They’re switching, they’re blitzing, they’re trying to throw the kitchen sink at him, and he’s doing a great job of getting off the ball and passing,” Brown told the New York Post.
Rivers Shuffles Bucks’ Starters
Milwaukee — Doc Rivers’ revamped starting five — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ryan Rollins, Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Ousmane Dieng — halted the Bucks’ four-game skid with a 113–99 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. “I loved how we played the first seven minutes; the ball just flew up the floor,” Rivers said, according to The Athletic. Newly acquired reserve Cam Thomas logged only six minutes, with Rivers noting, “Tonight wasn’t the night, and we’ve got a lot of guys that can play.” The Bucks held Antetokounmpo out of Sunday’s contest against Orlando to manage his calf.
Source: Hoops Wire
