Frustrated Hawks aim to start playoff push against Clippers

The Atlanta Hawks' roller-coaster season has them in a precarious position as the No. 10 team in the Eastern Conference, the final spot for the play-in tournament.

The team is hoping a three-game homestand sparks a late run reminiscent of last season, when the Hawks reached the conference finals. The Hawks play five of their next six games at home, starting Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Hawks dropped their second straight game on Wednesday despite another strong outing from Trae Young, who had 27 points and 11 assists in 124-115 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Atlanta had few answers for Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded 43 points and 12 rebounds. The team's frustration boiled over when Hawks coach Nate McMillan was ejected with 1:22 remaining.

"This season has felt like we are constantly fighting an uphill battle," Atlanta guard Kevin Huerter said. "Mentally, it's felt like it's been an uphill battle all year. We haven't had the chance to get comfortable. Everything has just been fighting uphill. We win seven games in a row, we get back to around .500 and yet can't get over the hump. That battle all year has been a grind. It's felt like a grind."

The same could be said for the Clippers, who are two games over .500 while hoping stars Kawhi Leonard (ACL) and Paul George (elbow) can return for the postseason.

Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing skid on Wednesday with Reggie Jackson leading the charge in a 115-109 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Jackson had 31 points and seven assists in 39 minutes for the Clippers, while Marcus Morris Sr. added 27 points and Luke Kennard had 19.

In addition to George and Leonard, Los Angeles is also missing Norman Powell (foot) and Robert Covington (personal). Until everyone returns, the Clippers will continue to lean heavily on Jackson.

"He always brings energy," Kennard said of Jackson. "You always know when Reggie's in the building. And it always gets us going. So, like I said, he's our leader. He's been our leader all year. He's going to take us all the way to the playoffs, and we're just, we're going to follow him."

Guard Terance Mann also has provided a spark for the Clippers while averaging 9.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists over his past five games.

Los Angeles is looking to sweep the season series against Atlanta after posting a 106-93 victory on Jan. 9.

The Hawks' offense revolves around Young, who has scored at least 31 points in three of his past six games. The fourth-year pro remains optimistic about his team's postseason chances.

"It's been an up-and-down season," Young said. "We've had a lot of down moments, but we've had a lot of moments where we've shown that we can be bright. You're based off of what you do at the end of the year. We beat the No. 1 seed last season. I don't believe in 'the 7 or 8 seed can't do nothing.' I feel like if we're in a series, we can play anybody. We have to be better and focus on one game at a time."

Young could use additional support from players such as Danilo Gallinari, Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. Forward John Collins also will be looking to bounce back after an 0-of-9 performance from the field on Wednesday against Milwaukee.

--Field Level Media