Boston has regained its collective strength. After a difficult defeat in the first game, the Celtics equalized in the series against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the play-offs (109-86) this Wednesday at TD Garden. Jaylen Brown (30 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and Jayson Tatum (29 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds) carried their teammates on offense and at the same time, everyone was mobilizing to stop the defending champion.
The Massachusetts men dominated the first half (65-40). Boston regained what had been its strength in the first round against Brooklyn, enormous defensive pressure. The main victim of this padlock is Giannis Antetokounmpo (28 points at 11/27 shooting, 9 rebounds, 7 assists). Despite an awakening in the second act, the Greek never knew how to put the Bucks back on track. Grant Williams (21 points, 5 rebounds), Robert Williams (10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Al Horford (11 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals) tightened the screw at the back to neutralize the last MVP of the Finals (5 points at 2/12 shooting in the first half) and allow the Celtics to quickly make the decision.
13
The number of three-pointers scored in the first period by the Celtics. A record in the play-offs.
Without Khris Middleton and with their superstar trapped for two quarters, the Bucks sinned offensively. Milwaukee was beaten in assists (28-16) and lacked three-point skill (16.7%) unlike Boston, which scored 46.5% of its attempts from behind the arc. Game 3 of the series will take place at the Bucks’ lair at Fiserv on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.