Jayson Tatum scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading the Boston Celtics to a narrow 111-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. This game marked Khris Middleton’s highly anticipated season debut for Milwaukee after recovering from offseason ankle surgeries.
Jaylen Brown contributed significantly with 25 points, helping the Celtics sink 17 three-pointers, which played a crucial role in securing their 10th win in their last 11 games. The Celtics showcased their offensive prowess, capitalizing on opportunities and demonstrating their ability to shoot from long range.
On the other side, Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 31 points, but the team faced challenges, suffering their second consecutive loss after a season-best winning streak of seven games. Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong performance, scoring 30 points and pulling down 11 rebounds on his 30th birthday.
Middleton, returning to the court after missing the first 21 games of the season, scored 11 points and provided five assists in 23 minutes of play. His presence on the floor is expected to be pivotal for the Bucks as they seek to regain their winning form.
The Celtics took a 107-102 lead after a floater by Jrue Holiday, but Brown was later called for a foul on Middleton during a three-point attempt. Middleton converted all three free throws, closing the gap. However, two free throws from Holiday put Boston back ahead at 109-105, and a turnover by Antetokounmpo led to a crucial layup by Al Horford, sealing the win for the Celtics.
Takeaways
Bucks: Middleton’s return marked only the 43rd time that he, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard have played together. The Bucks’ ability to integrate Middleton back into the lineup will be key to their success in the Eastern Conference.
Celtics: This victory further solidified Boston’s dominance over Milwaukee, as they have now defeated the Bucks in all three meetings this season, showcasing their strength and cohesion as a team.
Key moment
The competitive spirit between Antetokounmpo and Brown added intensity to the matchup. Early in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo nudged Brown while inbounding the ball, prompting Brown to retaliate later, resulting in a technical foul. This exchange echoed a similar incident from their previous encounter, highlighting the growing rivalry between the two players.
Key stat
Up next
The Bucks will travel to Brooklyn for their next game on Sunday, while the Celtics will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, looking to continue their impressive run.
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Jayson Tatum
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