/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44411658/usa-today-8294189.0.jpg)
It wasn't easy and it certainly wasn't pretty but in the end Jeff Teague just refused to let the Atlanta Hawks lose. Teague finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 90-85.
The Hawks successfully bounce back after Friday's blowout loss at home thanks to Teague and a gritty performance on the defensive end of the floor. Atlanta struggled offensively for much of the game before Teague found a rhythm in the second half.
Atlanta jumped out to a 21-10 lead early holding the Bucks to just 4-23 shooting in the opening period. Milwaukee came right back with a strong second quarter as Atlanta's offense went into a tank. A late spurt by the Hawks gave them a 39-37 lead at halftime.
Neither team was able to garner much separation in the third but Teague went to work in the fourth scoring 10 of his 25 points in the quarter. His knocked down a pair of free throws to put Atlanta up 88-80 with just 29 seconds remaining. Al Horford closed things out from the line and the Hawks escaped with a win.
Atlanta shot just 37 percent from the field and had to rely on their defense and rebounding to capture the win. The Hawks out rebounded the Bucks 51-47 and grabbed 17 offensive rebounds. They finished with a 16-7 edge in second chance points. Atlanta also recorded nine steals and forced 19 turnovers by Milwaukee.
Horford also had a solid night finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Paul Millsap added 17 points and eight rebounds. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 21 points while Zaza Pachulia recorded a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
The Hawks will take a couple of days off before returning to action on Tuesday as they host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena.