The Boston Celtics overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to secure a thrilling 113-107 victory against the struggling Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday afternoon. Jayson Tatum led the charge for the Celtics, finishing the game with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. His crucial free throws with just over five minutes remaining in the game marked the moment Boston took the lead for good.
Despite a phenomenal performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored a season-high 43 points along with 13 rebounds and five assists, the Bucks suffered their eighth loss in nine games. Payton Pritchard contributed significantly for the Celtics with 18 points, while Jrue Holiday and Derrick White each added 15 points. Jaylen Brown made his return to the lineup, scoring 14 points after having missed the previous four games due to a hip injury.
The game started favorably for Milwaukee, who jumped out to an impressive 16-2 lead within the first few minutes. They maintained an edge throughout the first half, entering the break with a 69-58 advantage—their highest-scoring half of the season. However, the Bucks struggled in the third quarter, managing only 15 points, which ultimately contributed to their downfall.
A pivotal moment in the game came at the start of the third quarter when the Celtics unleashed a 12-0 run capped by an Al Horford three-pointer. Though the second half was tightly contested with numerous ties and lead changes, Boston demonstrated resilience, countering every Bucks rally effectively.
Another point of interest was Damian Lillard’s performance for Milwaukee, scoring 14 points but struggling significantly from beyond the arc, with a 1-of-8 shooting night from three-point range and only 1-of-12 over the last two games.
Looking forward, the Celtics are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, while the Bucks will host the Toronto Raptors on the same day.
This victory for the Celtics not only reinforces their position in the league, but it also highlights the team’s depth and ability to rally during tough times. With players returning from injuries and a strong performance from key players, Boston fans can remain optimistic about the remainder of the season.