MILWAUKEE, 05 March 2026 – The Atlanta Hawks secured a pivotal 119-113 upset victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum, significantly altering the landscape of the Eastern Conference play-in race. Behind a breakout performance from mid-season acquisition Jonathan Kuminga, the Hawks extended their winning streak to five games, currently the longest active streak in the NBA.
Kuminga Leads Hawks to Crucial Road Win
In just his fourth game since joining Atlanta, Jonathan Kuminga proved to be the difference-maker, leading the Hawks’ offence in a hostile environment. The victory is particularly damaging for Milwaukee, who entered the contest in a “must-win” scenario to keep pace with Atlanta and Charlotte in the standings. Despite the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had been sidelined recently, the Bucks struggled to contain Atlanta’s perimeter ball movement.
The Hawks (32-31) now sit six games ahead of the Bucks (26-35) in the win column. With only a handful of weeks remaining in the regular season, Milwaukee faces a steep uphill battle, likely needing a record of 16-6 or better to secure a post-season berth.
Head-to-Head History: Bucks vs. Hawks
The rivalry between these two franchises remains one of the most evenly contested in NBA history. Following Wednesday’s result, the all-time regular-season series is nearly deadlocked, with Milwaukee holding a slight two-game edge over Atlanta.
| Category | Milwaukee Bucks | Atlanta Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Wins | 122 | 121 |
| Total Games Played | 243 | |
| All-Time Series Record (Overall) | 137 Wins | 134 Wins |
| Average Points Per Game (since 2005) | 104.9 | 105.4 |
Recent Matchups and Form
The 2025-26 season series has been a tale of two trajectories. While the Bucks have struggled with consistency and injuries to key personnel, the Hawks have found their rhythm following the trade deadline. Prior to Wednesday’s clash, the teams last met on 19 January 2026, a contest that also saw Atlanta perform strongly.
- 04 March 2026: Hawks 119, Bucks 113 (Milwaukee)
- 19 January 2026: Regular Season Matchup (Atlanta)
- 30 March 2025: Previous Season Finale Matchup
Play-in Implications
The Eastern Conference standings are tightening as the “Week 20 Watchlist” concludes. Atlanta’s recent surge, which includes a dominant 135-101 win over Portland earlier this week, has moved them into a comfortable position within the play-in bracket. Conversely, Milwaukee’s loss to Chicago on 01 March (120-97) and this latest defeat to Atlanta have left the 2021 champions at risk of missing the playoffs entirely for the first time in a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last game between the Bucks and the Hawks?
The Atlanta Hawks won the most recent matchup 119-113 on 04 March 2026, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
What is the all-time record between the two teams?
In regular-season play, the Bucks lead the series 122-121. Including playoffs, the Bucks hold a 137-134 advantage over the Hawks.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing?
Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup for the 04 March game against Atlanta after a brief absence, though his performance was not enough to overcome the Hawks’ balanced scoring attack.
Where did Trae Young go?
Recent reports indicate Trae Young is no longer with the Hawks, having recently been involved in disciplinary issues following a trade to the Washington Wizards, where he faced a league suspension in late February 2026.