© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
A look back at the Milwaukee Bucks’ memorable win over the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day in 2021
Aside from cheer and presents, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered what the Milwaukee Bucks wanted the most on Christmas Day in 2021: a win. Playing for the first time since being placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols, the "Greek Freak" produced 36 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists as the Bucks came back from a 13-point deficit in the last five minutes to stun the Boston Celtics, 117-113.
Here's a look back at the game that NBA.com listed as one of many memorable moments the league has had during Christmas.
Glad to be back
Giannis had been away from the team since he was placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols on December 12. He got off to a slow start, scoring seven in the first half. However, Antetokounmpo finally got into a groove and exploded for 17 in the third quarter before scoring 12 in the fourth quarter to help the Bucks rally for victory.
"I was excited to be back, excited to be around my teammates and the fans again, and excited to play the game," Giannis shared after that game.
Trailed by as many as 19 points
Despite playing with only eight players, Boston led by as much as 19 points, thanks to the efforts of their two explosive wingmen. Jaylen Brown got the party started early, scoring 14 of his 25 points in the first quarter. Jayson Tatum also had 25 markers in this game.
Milwaukee was trailing by two, 113-111, when then-wingman Wesley Matthews came up big, getting the ball back on the right wing and draining a triple that put the Bucks in front, 114-113, with 30.3 seconds left.
Boston's Jaylen Brown then missed a baseline jumper on the other end, and Khris Middleton was sent to the free-throw stripe, where he split his charities for a 116-113 lead. The Celtics elected not to go for a potential game-tying three, as Tatum drove into the paint and dropped the ball off to Robert Williams for what looked like a wide-open slam. However, Giannis blocked the "Time Lord's" dunk attempt to stave off the Celtics.
