The Boston Celtics entered Wednesday night’s contest at TD Garden looking like a team prepared to coast, but they left having narrowly escaped a defensive collapse. Despite missing star forward Jayson Tatum, who sat out for rest, the Celtics built a commanding 21-point halftime lead against a struggling Milwaukee Bucks squad. What followed was a second-half surge from the visitors that briefly flipped the script, forcing Boston to rely on late-game heroics to secure a 109-102 victory.
Derrick White and Paul George Lead the Closing Charge
With Jayson Tatum sidelined and Payton Pritchard forced to exit the game in the third quarter due to a right eye abrasion, the Celtics’ offensive burden fell squarely on the shoulders of Derrick White and Paul George. The two veterans answered the call during the game’s most high-pressure moments. George, who finished with a team-high 25 points, four steals, and five 3-pointers, proved instrumental in keeping the offense afloat when the Bucks tightened their defensive rotations.
Neemias Queta block -> PG drive and layup -> Bucks timeout pic.twitter.com/PTzofrN8Py
White added 24 points and seven assists, including a crucial hoop-and-harm sequence with 2:22 remaining that pushed the Celtics’ lead to 102-97. This play proved to be the decisive momentum shift in a game that had seen the Bucks battle back from a 22-point deficit to take a brief lead late in the fourth quarter. The duo combined for 20 points in the final frame, effectively neutralizing the comeback bid orchestrated by Milwaukee’s Tyler Herro.
Tyler Herro Sparks Third-Quarter Rally
The Bucks, currently struggling with a 1-7 record, appeared rejuvenated after the intermission. Milwaukee shot with clinical efficiency in the third quarter, making 10 of their first 12 attempts. Tyler Herro was the primary architect of this resurgence, scoring 18 of his 25 total points during that period. The Bucks’ transition game, fueled by turnovers, allowed them to erase the 21-point halftime deficit and eventually seize a 92-91 lead with 6:50 remaining in the fourth quarter after a Nate Ament free throw.
However, the Bucks were unable to sustain the pressure as the game reached its final three minutes. Boston tightened its team defense, outscoring Milwaukee 12-5 in the closing stretch. While Milwaukee matched Boston’s 41% field goal shooting, the Celtics’ ability to convert from beyond the arc—hitting 16 of 39 attempts—provided the necessary cushion to weather the Bucks’ late-game stampede.
Payton Pritchard Exits with Eye Injury
The victory was tempered by the mid-game loss of Payton Pritchard. The 2025 Sixth Man of the Year left the contest in the third quarter with a right eye abrasion and never returned. The Celtics’ resilience in the absence of both Tatum and Pritchard allowed them to maintain an undefeated record at home, moving to 5-0 at TD Garden and 6-2 on the season overall.
For the Bucks, the loss continues a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign. Despite the strong performances from Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr., who chipped in 18 points, the team remains winless in four road contests. The Celtics now pivot to a four-game road trip, beginning with an NBA Cup matchup in Charlotte this Friday, while the Bucks return home to host Toronto.
| Player | Points | Assists/Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Paul George (BOS) | 25 | 5 AST / 4 STL |
| Derrick White (BOS) | 24 | 7 AST / 4 REB |
| Tyler Herro (MIL) | 25 |
As Boston prepares to head out on the road, the question remains whether the team’s depth can continue to mask the absence of its core stars in tight, late-game scenarios. With the early-season schedule intensifying, how do you think the Celtics’ rotation will hold up against higher-tier conference opponents during this upcoming road stretch?
NBA: Paul George and Derrick White leads Celtics past Bucks https://t.co/k2c0oVKSkK
More on Derrick White
🏀 WEDNESDAY'S FINAL SCORES 🏀 Paul George delivered on both ends of the floor to push the @celtics to 6-2 on the season! Derrick White: 24 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST, 2 BLK Neemias Queta: 9 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK https://t.co/FIXKED2qC6 pic.twitter.com/32wNecIcSi
NOW THE DERRICK WHITE & PAUL GEORGE DUO ARE CLOSING IT OUT. LFG
