Boston snaps Milwaukees winning streak, along with a franchise record setting three point performance
By Justin Batiste
Tonight, the 7-0, Milwaukee Bucks looked to continue their winning streak on the road, but were denied by the Boston Celtics. The Bucks fell to the Celtics in a tight game, 117-113. At the beginning of the third quarter was where the Celtics separated themselves, making 4 three pointers in the first 3 minutes, 1 made by Jayson Tatum and 3 made by Kyrie Irving who finished the game with 28 points.At that point the Celtics had gone up by 11 points, and the Bucks were never able to recover. Every time the game became close Irving’s scoring would help the Celtics pull away to a comfortable lead. Bucks late game free throw woahs also contributed to the Celtics winning.
Tonight, the Boston Celtics were trigger happy from three, shooting 55 three’s and making 24, setting a franchise record. The Celtics can beat you in an array of ways, three-point shooting being one of them. Versatility is what best describes this Celtics team. Offensively and Defensively.
Offensively, everyone for the Celtics is liable to make a play. Whether it be shooting a three, driving to the basket or making an assist. Players, 1 through 5 can do it all. Tonight, Boston was most effective in pick-in-roll situations performed mostly at the top of the three point line, with a guard and Al Horford. Horford applies so much pressure on opposing teams defenses, because of his ability to shoot the three, pass the ball and his first step can be lethal if a defensive player decides to close out weak. The Celtics enjoy utilizing Horford in these high ball pick and roll actions. Horford’s stat line for the night was 18 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds.
The Celtics also did a fine job of breaking down the Bucks defense off the dribble, which is partly why the Celtics shot so many three’s. This forced the Bucks to constantly help off their man, and because the Celtics are unselfish and have shooters around the three point line, an open three was a common result at the end of a Celtics possession tonight.
Defensively, the Celtics were in tune, making everything difficult for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. However, credit the Bucks, they made some strenuous shots (FG% 48.2). All their shots were contested, and for Giannis, the Celtics made sure the forward earned everything. Although, Giannis still finished the game with 33 points, it wasn’t an easy 33.
The Celtics looked like they were in playoff form tonight, by their approach on the defensive end, which is why people are so drawn to the Celtics. They play hard every night, and tonight was no different. The Celtics (7-1) will be visiting the Pacers (5-3) tomorrow, in Indianapolis, at 7:00 pm, ET, and the Bucks (7-1) will be hosting the Kings (6-3) Sunday, at 3:30, ET.
