© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics, Not Fully Engaged, Fall to Bucks, Who Lose Giannis to Injury Scare
The Boston Celtics looked like a team going through the motions in the first half. With home-court advantage throughout their playoff run, however long it lasts, secured, that's an understandable approach as the regular season winds down.
Conversely, the Milwaukee Bucks entered Tuesday's tilt needing a win. They'd lost four straight matchups and seven of their last ten. That put them one game ahead of the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks, the two teams directly behind them in the standings. They were just 1.5 in front of the fifth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers when the ball tipped off at Fiserv Forum.
That fueled a fiery start from the hosts, who carved up Boston's defense in the first half. While the visitors, who were without Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, appeared less than fully engaged, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. had no issue generating points courtesy of dribble penetrating and basket cuts.
They produced 30 points in the paint in the first two frames and made 61.9 percent of their field-goal attempts, including knocking down 10/18 (55.6 percent) of their shots from beyond the arc.
Brook Lopez stuffed the stat sheet in the first 24 minutes, entering intermission with 15 points, leading all scorers, five rebounds, and two blocks.
Antetokounmpo put 13 points on the board, and the hosts also got a terrific first half from Patrick Beverley, who started over Malik Beasley on Tuesday. The three-time All-Defensive Team selection chipped in nine points, pairing five of those with disruptive defense that helped swing momentum back in Milwaukee's direction after a 9-2 Boston run pulled the visitors within 14.
And with the Celtics shooting 32.7 percent from the field, including 9/28 (32.1 percent) from three-point range, their struggles at both ends of the floor had them down 63-43 at the break.
The third quarter was mostly on par with the first half until Antetokounmpo went down in a non-contact situation, taking a seat as he jogged up the floor after inbounding the ball. He then limped to the locker room.
The Bucks later ruled him out due to a left soleus strain. That's a powerful muscle in the back part of the lower leg. Hopefully, if he misses time, it's a brief absence. Even then, they'll have to manage his minutes carefully.
With the two-time former league MVP getting his leg looked at, Boston staged a 14-5 run featuring Jayson Tatum forcefully driving to the rim for a two-handed flush and Jaylen Brown barreling through multiple defenders for a transition layup.
That burst brought the C's within 11, entering the final frame trailing 78-67. Tatum had 13 points in the period, and the visitors manufactured a 10-4 advantage from inside the paint.
While Joe Mazzulla's shown a willingness to let his bench finish out recent contests, the Celtics didn't do enough to help the case for having them close Tuesday's tilt.
Careless turnovers and energy plays from Bobby Portis, including snagging an offensive rebound that led to an A.J. Green three, keyed the hosts being on top by 14 with 6:32 left. At that point, Mazzulla made wholesale changes.
From there, Milwaukee applied the finishing touches on a 104-91 win. There were only 12 fouls in this game. Boston did not attempt a free throw, and the Bucks only took two, faring 1/2 from the stripe.
The Celtics will now return home, where they'll remain for the rest of the regular season. They host the New York Knicks on Thursday night at TD Garden. That matchup will tip off at 7:30 EST.
Further Reading
After Signing Queta, Celtics Should Fill 2-Way Void with Maine Teammate
Neemias Queta Inks New Deal with Celtics
Seldom-Used Celtics Reserve Showcasing Playoff Value
Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him
Jaylen Brown Shares What's Fueling Career Year: 'Nothing in This World Gonna Break My Spirit'
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
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'
