Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Here's What Stood Out as Fatigue Undermines Celtics in Loss to Bucks
Doomed from the start, it was evident early the Boston Celtics were in trouble on Thursday.
They were playing their third game in four days and on the second half of a back-to-back after pulling out a 127-120 overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Boston on Wednesday.
That typically hasn't been a problem. The C's entered this matchup 5-1 on day two of back-to-backs, tied for the NBA's best record under those circumstances. But no individual or group is immune to fatigue.
And while the Milwaukee Bucks had lost four of their previous five contests, they're a title contender that came into this game 25-12 and second in the Eastern Conference.
The visitors in Thursday's tilt at Fiserv Forum created quality shots in the first half but were a frigid 32 percent from the field, including 1/16 (6.3 percent) from beyond the arc.
Jaylen Brown, who had ten points at intermission, entered the break as the lone Celtic to score in double figures.
Accepting that it wasn't their night, head coach Joe Mazzulla gave the starters the second half off for some needed rest and let the "Stay Ready Crew" step into the spotlight.
Here's what stood out while the first five were in and when the second unit received an extended opportunity in Boston's 135-102 loss to the Bucks. It's the largest margin of defeat for the Celtics this season. It's also the first time in 182 games that they never had a lead.
1. It was clear in the first quarter that the Celtics didn't have it on Thursday. But they were creating quality shots in the first frame in Milwaukee. Unfortunately for the visitors, they were ice cold. They shot a frigid 9/26 (34.6 percent) from the field, including faring 1/8 (12.5 percent) from beyond the arc.
They actually matched the Bucks by producing 16 points in the paint, but the hosts shot 65.2 percent from the floor, including 6/9 (66.7 percent) from three-point range.
Bobby Portis came off the bench to lead all scorers with 11 points. Damian Lillard registered ten, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had nine after the first 12 minutes, as they entered the second quarter on the right side of a 41-23 lead.
2. There was an impressive posterizing jam by Oshae Brissett, providing a bit of energy off the bench, but unfortunately for Boston, it did not spark a counterstrike by the visitors.
3. The second frame got even worse, with Milwaukee's advantage ballooning as the Celtics' struggles continued.
A prime example was when Kristaps Porzingis dished to a cutting Derrick White, drawing the defender from the far side corner. White kicked the ball out to Payton Pritchard, who proceeded to airball an open corner three.
Antetokounmpo thunderously threw down a put-back slam at the other end, extending the hosts' lead to 69-31. The Bucks entered halftime in firm control and on top 75-38.
The Celtics only scored 15 points in the second quarter, their lowest output in any period this season.
4. Jaylen Brown, who had ten points at intermission, was the only player on the visitors to reach double figures by the break. Conversely, Antetokounmpo scored 18, Lillard provided 17, Portis produced 16, and Malik Beasley chipped in ten.
Giving up eight offensive rebounds and 13 second-chance points further indicated this would not be Boston's night.
5. Wisely, Joe Mazzulla went to the "Stay Ready Crew" to start the second half, opening the third frame with Pritchard, Svi Mykhailiuk, Sam Hauser, Lamar Stevens, and Luke Kornet.
The only thing worse than getting blown out would be further exhausting a fatigued group.
6. That unit and Neemias Queta fared pretty well, facing the Bucks' starters for much of the period but only getting outscored 36-32.
Mykhailiuk drilling 2/3 threes was a noticeable bright spot, leading the way as Boston buried 5/10 attempts from beyond the arc.
7. The Celtics are on to a Saturday showdown against the Houston Rockets. That represents Ime Udoka's return to Boston for the first time since he was the franchise's head coach. That matchup will tip off at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Further Reading
Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston
Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'
Oshae Brissett Making Strong Case to Fill Celtics' Search for Big Wing
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
