In a challenging back-to-back scenario, the Boston Celtics faced a daunting matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum and succumbed to a 135-102 blowout. The Bucks capitalized on their rested legs, storming out with 41 first-quarter points and a commanding 43-point lead at one juncture.

Bobby Portis (28 points), Giannis Antetokounmpo (24 points), and Damian Lillard (21 points) spearheaded the Bucks’ offensive onslaught. In contrast, the Celtics struggled with fatigue, shooting just 32% from the field in the first half and an uncharacteristic 1-for-16 from beyond the arc. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser led the Celtics with 21 and 15 points, respectively, while the starters rested for the entire second half.

Three key takeaways from the game:

Fatigue vs. Fresh Legs:

The Celtics, coming off a draining overtime win the previous night, faced a considerable disadvantage against the well-rested Bucks. Playing their fifth game in seven nights, the Celtics struggled to keep up, especially in the first quarter. Milwaukee’s fresh legs contributed to a 41-23 first-quarter lead, setting the tone for the game.

Bucks Dominate from Deep:

The fatigue factor was evident in the Celtics’ poor shooting performance from beyond the arc. They managed just one 3-pointer in the first half, going 1-for-16. Meanwhile, the Bucks showcased their sharpshooting prowess, going 11-for-22 from deep in the first half and finishing with an 18-for-42 (42.9%) performance. The Celtics’ bench slightly improved the team’s 3-point percentage, but it was not enough to close the gap.

Milwaukee Honors Jrue Holiday:

Despite the Celtics’ struggles, a positive moment occurred in the first quarter when Jrue Holiday received a heartfelt tribute from the Milwaukee crowd. Playing his first game back at Fiserv Forum since being traded in the offseason, Holiday was honored with a standing ovation and a tribute video. Holiday, a key part of the Bucks’ 2021 championship team, had a memorable return to Milwaukee.

The Celtics will have a much-needed day off before returning home to face the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. The game against the Bucks highlighted the impact of fatigue on the team’s performance, and with rest, the Celtics aim to regroup for upcoming challenges.