Celtics Hold off Bucks’ Comeback Attempt in Antetokounmpo’s Absence

Wednesday night’s clash between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks saw drama unfold despite the absence of MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his second consecutive game due to injury. 

In a thrilling showdown between the top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics managed to edge out a 122-119 victory after a valiant comeback attempt by the shorthanded Bucks.

Jayson Tatum spearheaded the Celtics’ charge with a stellar performance, tallying 31 points on 9-of-19 shooting. Derrick White provided crucial support with 23 points of his own, while Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Payton Pritchard combined for 57 points to bolster the Boston offense. 

On the Bucks’ side, Dame Lillard and Khris Middleton led the scoring efforts with 32 and 22 points, respectively, while Bobby Portis delivered a standout performance with 24 points and 15 rebounds.

Despite Antetokounmpo’s absence, the Celtics surged to an early lead fueled by strong contributions from Tatum and White. Boston built a commanding 11-point advantage in the first quarter, but the Bucks mounted a comeback behind Middleton’s efforts to keep the game competitive. 

As the second quarter unfolded, the Celtics showcased a strategic rotation adjustment, incorporating Xavier Tillman off the bench to counter Milwaukee’s challenges defensively.

The Celtics’ momentum continued into the second quarter, with Payton Pritchard’s dynamic play energizing the team and extending their lead. 

However, the Bucks rallied once again in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit with a barrage of three-pointers. Despite Milwaukee’s resurgence, the Celtics maintained their composure and entered the final frame with an 18-point cushion.

In the fourth quarter, the Bucks staged a dramatic comeback, cutting into Boston’s lead and bringing the game within single digits. 

Bobby Portis spearheaded Milwaukee’s charge with a personal scoring run, putting pressure on the Celtics in the closing minutes. However, clutch plays from Tatum and Brown sealed the victory for Boston, thwarting the Bucks’ comeback bid.

With this hard-fought win, the Celtics now turn their attention to a matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. As they continue their quest for Eastern Conference supremacy, Boston aims to build on their momentum and maintain their position at the top of the standings.