The Boston Celtics (19-4) stomped the Milwaukee Bucks (11-11) with a 111-105 win on December 7. Boston recovered from an early fourth-quarter deficit to remain undefeated at 3-0 against their conference rival.
Jayson Tatum racked up 34 big points, including a 14-point outburst in the fourth to ignite the come-from-behind win. Jrue Holiday returned to the lineup and finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Sam Hauser chipped in 16, while Jaylen Brown added 25 points. The Celtics have now won 10 of their last 11 games and seven straight at home.
Damian Lillard fueled the Bucks’ offense with 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 30 points and 11 rebounds. Bobby Portis added 9 points and 18 rebounds off the bench. Khris Middleton made his season debut today and finished with 11 points and 5 assists.
Tatum and Brown Propel the Celtics to a Statement Win
Brown set the pace early, helping the Celtics build a (20-12) lead. But the Bucks rallied back and narrowed the deficit to two. Boston went ice-cold in the second, going 0-for-12 from three as Milwaukee pulled ahead with an 8-0 run late to take a three-point lead at halftime.
The game heated up in the third when Brown scored over Giannis and followed it up with a “too small” gesture, earning himself a technical foul. The friction between the two stars stemmed from their previous matchup, where Giannis’ fake handshake provoked Brown to call him a child. Milwaukee held their lead with Giannis leading the way. The Celtics fired back with a balanced attack and took the lead momentarily. But the Bucks finished the quarter strong and regained the advantage.
Boston opened the fourth with a barrage, hitting four threes to tie the game at 95. Antetokounmpo put the Bucks back in front but Tatum answered with five points to give the Celtics the lead. Holiday then came up with clutch plays down the stretch, securing the win for Boston.
The Celtics host the Grizzlies tomorrow while the Bucks clash with the Nets on Monday.
