Atlanta Hawks aim to close out 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games with another win over Bucks

Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan has called for his team to improve when they meet Milwaukee Bucks in the second of the two 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games on Saturday.

The Hawks came from a point behind in the first quarter to clinch the remaining periods to win the first pre-season game 123-113 in front of a passionate crowd of 18,000 fans at Etihad Arena.

“I thought it was a good game and good effort from both teams, but we would like to see more improvement with this being our first pre-season game,” McMillan said.

“I like that we were able to get out and establish a tempo. Getting the ball up and down the floor. Offensively, I thought we had some pretty good ball movement.

“We didn't shoot the three well, but we did a good job of getting to the free-throw line and taking care of the basketball. Only eight turnovers tonight for us. We had 28 free throws. That tells me that we were pretty aggressive tonight.”

Dejounte Murray impressed on his Hawks debut with 25 points, nine assists and eight rebounds while teammate Trae Young chipped in with 22 points and three assists.

“We’ve got to keep that hunger mentality to work … to continue to learn and get better and grow with each other and compete at a high level,” Murray said.

“I believe we can do that … I’m already on to Saturday. We got the win, but like I said, there’s always room to improve.”

DCT Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, left, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, centre, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, at Etihad Arena. All photos: Wam

Point guard Young foresees a revival of the Bucks for their next meeting.

“They are good side and you can expect them to come back stronger