Jayson Tatum delivered a stellar performance with 34 points and 10 rebounds as the Boston Celtics edged the Milwaukee Bucks 111-105 on Friday night. Boston improved to 19-4 with the victory.
Jaylen Brown added 25 points for the Celtics, who drained 17 three-pointers to notch their 10th win in 11 games. Jrue Holiday, facing his former team, contributed 20 points and six assists, including two clutch free throws late in the fourth quarter.
For the Bucks, Damian Lillard scored 31 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo marked his 30th birthday with 30 points and 11 rebounds. However, their combined efforts weren’t enough to overcome Boston’s balanced attack.
Khris Middleton made his season debut for Milwaukee, finishing with 11 points and five assists in 23 minutes. The three-time All-Star returned after missing the first 21 games due to offseason ankle surgeries, providing a much-needed boost for the Bucks despite the loss.
Boston pulled ahead 107-102 late in the fourth quarter after a floater from Holiday. A foul on Middleton’s three-point attempt allowed the Bucks to cut the deficit to two, but two more free throws from Holiday sealed the win for Boston. Antetokounmpo’s subsequent turnover led to a fast-break layup by Al Horford, putting the game out of reach.
The Celtics’ defense proved critical in the closing moments, with Tatum and Horford anchoring key possessions. Horford also contributed eight points and nine rebounds, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court.
The Bucks, now 11-11, have dropped two straight after a seven-game winning streak. Integrating Middleton into the lineup remains a priority for Milwaukee as the team seeks consistency in a competitive Eastern Conference.
The matchup also highlighted the ongoing rivalry between Antetokounmpo and Brown. A brief scuffle in the third quarter echoed a similar incident from their November meeting, adding intensity to an already heated series.
Boston has now won all three meetings with Milwaukee this season, cementing its status as a top contender in the East. The victory also showcased the depth of the Celtics’ roster, with Sam Hauser scoring 16 points off the bench and Derrick White contributing seven assists.
The Bucks, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on improving their defensive rotations and reducing turnovers. Bobby Portis grabbed 18 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence, but Milwaukee’s 11 three-pointers were not enough to keep pace with Boston’s perimeter shooting.
