Celtics rebound after dropping 13 points in the fourth quarter but lose 103-101 in a thrilling final
A truly thrilling game that Milwaukee seemed to have in its fizz only unraveled in the finals. The Bucks manage to survive after wasting a 13-length advantage in the fourth third, and though Tatum struggles at 4/19 shooting, they find success through an emotional finale that rewards the defending champion. Giannis (42 points and 12 rebounds) and his teammates won 103-101, leading 2-1 in the series.
Tatum in trouble
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The Celtics win back an important pawn with Smart, coach Budenholzer instead decides to reshuffle the cards and brings Allen into the quintet, Portis back on the bench. Defense has the best offense for long stretches, Milwaukee starts better but struggles to find continuity over the long term. On the other hand, Tatum is inaccurate but Boston with Brown’s points stays in step. Antetokounmpo, when he attacks the basket, is unstoppable as usual and also misses a few layups, but the Bucks don’t take off. The visiting side stay on track thanks to their defense and although they have only 19 points at the end of the first quarter, they are only three points behind. In the second half, the long shot rates of both teams did not improve either, Milwaukee brought back the points of an excellent Lopez, who, however, had to live with foul problems. Tatum doesn’t get back on track and Giannis remains reliable in the painted area, just below the perimeter. Boston accelerates late in the first half and with Horford’s points, Milwaukee takes over. Giannis and Lopez whistle their third foul (same fate for Smart) in Cesarini’s first-half surface and Boston with a tail-swipe changes the first-half prospects, taking the last seven points of the second period to grab the rest ahead 50-46. The Bucks shoot a poor 3/18 from long range in the first half, Boston doesn’t do much better with their 4/18, but the Celtics lead that badly by four points from three and Tatum is 2/9 doing a lot of things.
Giannis-Show
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Ready to go and Lopez immediately commits his fourth foul, forcing him back to the bench. No problem, Giannis will take care of it. The Greek accelerates and the Celtics find no answers. Milwaukee plays its best basketball, begins to find a long-distance rhythm, and takes control of operations. On the other hand, those who just can’t keep up with the field is an unrecognizable Tatum, Giannis pushing the defending champions to a 12-2 split that gives Milwaukee a double-digit lead. The holiday is set as Antetokounmpo goes to the bench for air, the Bucks stretch and lead 80-67 by the end of the third quarter while Tatum shoots from the field at 3/17. After a very ugly third quarter, Boston’s attack early in the last faction was defused thanks to Brown’s plays. Milwaukee’s empty pass allows the visitors to land with a 9-2 break. Even without Tatum’s contribution, the Celtics are back on track. A very hot Horford becomes the second offensive option after Brown and the attack in Boston finds excellent solutions, the guests therefore resume Milwaukee and with Brown’s free return before 1’49 “the siren. However, Giannis and a crazy game Holiday are chasing the ghosts of the bucks. The reigning champions return to +11 at 3″ after the siren, but the last seconds give incredible emotions. Smart goes to the line for two free throws, scores the first, misses the second on purpose and a little bit of everything goes under the basket, Horford eventually produces what looks like typing in the coin toss, but the replay clearly shows the Boston- Player arrives outside of time. A sigh of relief for Milwaukee bringing home the truly incredible game.
Milwaukee: Antetokounmpo 42 (15/24, 1/6, 9/12 tl), Holiday 25, Lopez 13. Rebounds: Antetokounmpo 12. Assist: Antetokounmpo 8.
Boston: Brown 27 (7/11, 1/5, 10/11 tl), Horford 22, White 14. Rebounds: Horford 16. Assist: Horford 5.
