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Final Score
Milwaukee Bucks beat Boston Celtics, 98-97
Stats
Boston Celtics: Field Goals 39-102 (38.2 percent), 55 rebounds, 19 assists, 11 steals, 7 turnovers.
Milwaukee Bucks: Field Goals 37-88 (42 percent), 64 rebounds, 21 assists, 5 steals, 16 turnovers.
The two heavyweights of the Eastern Conference, Bucks and Celtics clashed in a game coming off a long All-Star break and the hangover was visible as both the teams shredded coldness in the initial minutes of the game.
The Bucks who entered the game with the best record in the East and 8-for-2 in the last 10 games clinched a close victory. Prior to the climax, a very unusual shot clock violation happened followed by a confusing ruling.
Boston got the possession with a little more than 3 seconds left. Thanks to Kyrie Irving who couldn't convert which could have been a game-winner for the Celtics. The Bucks won the season series 2-1, their first over the Celtics since 2014-15.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s All-Star Captain, led the Bucks with 30 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Malcolm Brogdon and All-Star Khris Middleton came strong with 15 points apiece. The latest addition to the Bucks roster, Nikola Mirotic looked good while fitting in the Bucks' offense. In the 14 minutes of play, he drilled two 3-pointers, finished with 8 points and 3 rebounds.
The Boston Celtics, who were missing Gordon Hayward and Aron Baynes, brought in some hustle in the final minutes of the game but failed to hold on in a one-point loss. Kyrie Irving led the Celtics scoring with 22 points. He struggled to find his groove the entire night and could only manage 9-of-27 field goal attempts.
Al Horford came in with a strong double-double with 21 points and a season-high 17 rebounds. Jason Tatum was prolific on his touch and ended with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Celtics bench struggled in the game, however, Jaylen Brown was the only one to finish in double digits with 15 points.
#3 Nikola Mirotic's Bucks debut
The Bucks won it big before the trade deadline in form of Nikola Mirotic, whom they acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a three-team trade.
This was the first time that Mirotic took the floor in a Bucks uniform and was well applauded by the fans. It took him time to get in the groove within the Bucks' offense. His first points didn't come until the second quarter when he put a second chance basket. In the second half, Mirotic won the fans after drilling in two triples and posting defense against Celtic centers. In 13 minutes, he ended with 8 points and 3 rebounds.
Following a minutes restriction, Mirotic is continuing to work his way back from a lingering calf strain. The fans have got a glimpse of what Mirotic has in the package and will entertain them for rest of the season.
#2 Irving makes a good comeback but fails to win the game, Celtics struggled offensively
With over 3 seconds remaining on the game-clock Kyrie Irving received an inbound pass. He was locked down on his strong right so decided to drive the lane from the other half. He finished taking a rather ugly lay-up which failed to go in. The final play was set up for Morris but Kyrie ended up with the ball instead. This wasn't the first time that Celtics had a mess-up with the final possession.
In the first half, Kyrie scored just 2 points on 1-of-10 shooting. It was the second half where he lit up and added 20 points including 4-of-6 from the arc.
The Celtics were held by the Bucks at 38.2 field goal percent. They have struggled with the minutes and rotation all season long and this game was one of them. The players have showed faith in each other, have talked their standpoints and have faith in their coach's game calling. It will be interesting to see how the Celtics take this final run ahead.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks' All-Stars continue to shine
The All-Star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton seemed unstoppable even against the terrific defense from the Celtics. While Horford and Morris stuck to control Giannis' movements on the offense possession after possession till the end, Smart and Irving took to control Middleton.
Middleton struggled while shooting the ball but was efficient on the defensive end and making plays for his fellow teammates. He finished with a double-double- 15 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal in 31 minutes of play. He made Milwaukee's biggest 3-pointer, hitting from out front to make it 98-95 with 32.5 seconds remaining.
A total of 30 points by the MVP candidate didn't come easy and he showed his consistency going 11-of-19 from the field.
"It was a good game," Giannis said afterwards in the Bucks' locker room. "We didn't play our best basketball, but they're a really dangerous team. If we see them in the playoffs, I know we're up 2-1 right now [in the season series], but we gotta take Boston really serious, because they play for 48 minutes. They don't stop playing. They move the ball real well, they get in their spots and execute the game-plan so well. They're a dangerous team."
The Bucks who stand as the best team in the East have added assets over the year to make a deep playoff run. They face threat from the upgraded Raptors and 76ers. The Celtics would make a final run to a more respected playoff spot. Now that the LeBron James era in the East is over, East will forward for a new reign and it will be interesting as the remaining season unfolds.
