The Boston Celtics cruised to a 133-101 win over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Friday, extending their lead in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points, while Jayson Tatum added 23 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists despite sitting out the fourth quarter. Neemias Queta contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds, helping Boston control the paint.
Boston set the tone early, making eight of their first nine 3-point attempts to take a 43-26 first-quarter lead, the most points Milwaukee has allowed in a single opening period this season. Derrick White added 17 points, Payton Pritchard scored 16, and Sam Hauser chipped in 13 as the Celtics shot 56.2% overall.
Milwaukee struggled without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his 10th straight game due to a knee hyperextension and bone bruise. The Bucks were also without Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Ryan Rollins, and Gary Trent Jr., forcing a depleted roster on the floor.
Taurean Prince led the Bucks with 18 points, while Pete Nance recorded a career-high 10 rebounds and 14 points. Kyle Kuzma and Ousmane Dieng each added 14 and nine points, respectively, but the team could not keep pace with Boston’s efficiency.
The Celtics improved to 52-25, maintaining a 2½-game lead over the New York Knicks for the No. 2 seed, while remaining four games behind the Detroit Pistons. Milwaukee fell to 30-47 and continues to battle injuries down the stretch.
Boston hosts the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, while the Bucks return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies.
