Rapid Recap: Bucks 119, Celtics 112

The Milwaukee Bucks let the Boston Celtics battle back, but found their way to a W in the first game since March. The Bucks raced out to a commanding lead in the initial minutes, but the Boston Celtics battled back (unfortunately) to pull the score within 64-58 at half. By the end of the third, it was nip and tuck, tied all around at 87. The fourth quarter continued back and forth between the squads, but Milwaukee prevailed as the buzzer sounded, bringing back that familiar feeling of winning we’ve all missed for so long.

Giannis Antetokounmpo took charge from the tip offensively and pushed the Bucks to victory down the stretch, tallying 36 points, 15 boards and seven assists.

Khris Middleton struggled from the field, atypical for him against Boston, notching 18, but on a poor 6-20 shooting, although it came with eight assists. Brook Lopez was a defensive stalwart logging six blocks to go along with 14 points on the offensive end.

Marcus Smart was a demon for the Celtics, leading the team with 23 points. Jaylen Brown followed it up with 22 of his own, but Jayson Tatum struggled mightily against Wes Matthews, hitting just 2-18. Gordon Hayward added an all around 17 points, nine boards and six assists.

Stat that Stood Out

Five fouls for Giannis. The Bucks superstar clearly was on his A game even after the layoff, and him being able to manage his foul trouble ensured he could bring the team to the promised land for this one. After struggling with some calls in the scrimmages, keeping himself in this game pushed Milwaukee to victory.