Jayson Tatum delivered a commanding performance with 34 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Boston Celtics to a 111-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
The win extended Boston’s dominance over Milwaukee this season, with the Celtics now holding a perfect 3-0 record against the Bucks.
Jaylen Brown contributed 25 points and helped Boston secure its 10th victory in the last 11 games. The Celtics showcased their shooting prowess, knocking down 17 three-pointers in a game that lived up to its billing as an Eastern Conference showdown.
On the other side, Damian Lillard put up 31 points for Milwaukee, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added a double-double with 30 points and 11 rebounds on his 30th birthday. Despite their strong individual efforts, the Bucks fell short, marking their second consecutive loss after a seven-game winning streak.
Khris Middleton’s Return
A major storyline of the night was Khris Middleton’s season debut for Milwaukee. Playing for the first time after missing 21 games due to offseason ankle surgeries, Middleton logged 11 points and five assists in 23 minutes. While his return is a positive sign for the Bucks, integrating him into the lineup with Lillard and Antetokounmpo remains a critical task for Milwaukee as they navigate the rest of the season.
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Takeaways
For the Bucks, Middleton’s return marked only the 43rd time that he, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard have shared the court. The trio’s ability to build chemistry and find cohesion could dictate Milwaukee’s chances of competing for an Eastern Conference title. The Bucks have shown flashes of brilliance this season but need consistency, especially with Middleton back in the fold.
For the Celtics, this victory was yet another statement win. Beating the Bucks in all three meetings this season underscores Boston’s dominance over a key conference rival. With Tatum and Brown continuing to deliver at an elite level, the Celtics look every bit like the team to beat in the East.
Key Moment
The game’s most intense moment came in the third quarter during a heated exchange between Antetokounmpo and Brown. After Antetokounmpo leaned his shoulder into Brown while passing by to inbound the ball, Brown retaliated moments later and was whistled for a technical foul. This physical exchange mirrored an incident between the two during Boston’s win over Milwaukee on November 10, adding another layer to their growing rivalry.
Key Stat
This game was a battle from start to finish, featuring 11 ties and 14 lead changes. Neither team ever held a lead larger than eight points, reflecting the competitive edge and high stakes of this matchup.
Closing Strong
Boston held its composure late in the game to seal the win. A floater by Jrue Holiday extended the Celtics’ lead to 107-102, but a foul on Brown allowed Middleton to hit three clutch free throws to keep Milwaukee in striking distance. In the closing moments, two free throws by Holiday and a costly turnover by Antetokounmpo led to a decisive layup by Al Horford, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Challenges Ahead
For Milwaukee, the focus shifts to building around their big three. While Middleton’s return is promising, the Bucks need to establish rhythm and consistency to avoid losing ground in the competitive Eastern Conference. Lillard and Antetokounmpo’s combined 61 points showcased their offensive power, but the team must find ways to close out tight games against top-tier opponents.
Boston, meanwhile, continues to set the standard in the East. With Tatum and Brown leading the way and a defense capable of forcing crucial turnovers, the Celtics appear primed for a deep postseason run. Their ability to win big games against elite competition solidifies their status as a championship contender.
Up Next
The Bucks will look to bounce back on Sunday when they visit the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, the Celtics aim to continue their dominant run as they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to fine-tune their rotations and build momentum toward the playoffs.
This latest clash between the Celtics and Bucks highlighted the intensity and talent of two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams, setting the stage for what could be an epic rivalry come postseason time.