The Boston Celtics fresh off an embarrassing loss to the Wizards this week showed up in Milwaukee with something to prove. Last night featured a highly anticipated showdown between the Eastern Conference leading teams and the Celtics did not disappoint.
With a possible and likely repeat playoff showdown on the horizon between the Bucks and the Celtics, Boston showed up and sent a big time message: We don't fear the deer. From the tip the Celtics came out shooting the ball efficiently and played lockdown defense against arguably the hardest player in the world to defend, Giannis. Boston took the lead, 34-26 after the first quarter and stepped (read as - SLAMMED) on the gas at the start of the 2nd.
If you are one of the few who haven't yet heard the expression "two Jays are better than one", well then consider last night a free lesson. At the half, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had a combined 42 points, 8 REB, 4 AST and 2 STL, a masterclass performance. The Celtics capped off the half by a separation of 28 points.
While Jaylen Brown dominated the first quarter, Jayson Tatum started "Tatuming" soon thereafter. Tatum drilled shot after shot, punishing the Bucks for leaving him any open airspace on the floor.
While the Jays put out a spectacular performance, they weren't the only ones throwing their weight around against the sluggish Bucks. Malcolm Brogdon flashed a rare dunk on a slick drive to the paint, stamping an exclamation point on a big time Celtics run.
On the defensive side of the floor, Robert Williams made his presence known play after play, especially on a big time rejection on the Greek Freak. It's not often that Giannis meets his maker at the rim, but perhaps he forgot about the sneaky Time Lord. True to his name, Rob perfectly timed an elite block on Giannis from behind.
With key contributions from the full roster who touched the floor, the Celtics dominated the Bucks from start to finish in this contest, winning by 41 points. Per Taylor Snow of the Celtics, there have been 10, 40-point wins in the NBA this season and the Celtics have 3 of those. No other team has more than 1. This win has to feel good for this bunch as we near the end of the regular season and kick it into overdrive for the playoffs.
Key Performance Indicators
A Free Lesson From the Jays: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shelled out a combined 70 pts and 13 rebs in 63 minutes of play. They collectively shot 11-15 from three point range. Did I mention neither of them played a minute of the 4th quarter? No one on the Bucks came close to an answer against the best duo in the league.
Mazzulla Ball: When the Celtics are hitting shots, they are simply untouchable. Celtics shot the lights out, going 22-43 from three (51%) and 51-91 overall (56%). A strong contrast to their game earlier this week. It's a make or miss league, as they say.
Al Horford's Key Minutes: While only playing 22 minutes on the night, Big Al went 5-8 on FGA, with 4 of those field goals being from three point range. He finished with 14 points and was a +30 plus/minus rating.
Locking Down Giannis: To succeed against the Bucks it's imperative that you hit your shots. But if you find a way to force an off-night for Giannis, then your chances of winning skyrocket. Celtics doubled and collapsed on Giannis early and often, eliminating his ability to get to the rim and find his rhythm. He shot 11-27, 0-5 from three and finished with 24 points.
Limited Turnovers: Celtics did a great job taking care of the ball, only turning it over 8 times against a great defensive team. The Bucks turned the ball over 13 times to the Celtics leading to many transition opportunities.
With a Big Lead Comes Rest: With the Celtics winning by 40 points to start the 3rd quarter, Coach Joe was able to sit his regulars in the 4th and give them rest on night 1 of a back-to-back.
Blake Can Take a Head-butt: In a moment of frustration during garbage time, Thanasis Antetokounmpo issued a head-butt to Blake Griffin's face after a hard foul. Blake took this like a champ, even delivered a smile and laugh in the face of Thanasis. Thanasis was ultimately ejected for this hostile act.
Looking Forward
While the Celtics lost their "must win game" versus the Wizards to give them a fighting chance at the 1 seed, but last night's win kept the dream alive. The Bucks will need to lose two more additional games before the end of year, with the Celtics not losing a single contest.
The Celtics have just five more games in the regular season. They are back in Boston tonight in a back-to-back night, this time against the Jazz. They will need to stay focussed and come out with energy to not fall trap to a losing team. Celtics then get some rest over the weekend and head to Philadelphia on Tuesday night to match up against Embiid and the Sixers. Let's go Celtics!
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