The Clover Report: Week Twenty-Eight

The Celtics got off to a great start with their series against the Milwaukee Bucks they won both home games. But the real challenge began with Game 3 as the series moved to Milwaukee. Any team down 0-2 comes out with fire on their home court and the Bucks certainly did. The Bucks jumped out to 27-12 lead in the 1st quarter and didn’t look back. They won 116—92 to win their first game of the series. Khris Middleton had the best game for the Bucks as he finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 rebounds. Pretty much every Celtic had a bad game so this was one that you just throw away the tape.

Next up was game 4, where the pressure was still on the Bucks to not go down 1-3. This game was much closer and the Celtics had a chance to win. Jayson Tatum (who scored 21 points) hit a shot to put the Celtics up with under a minute to go. But Giannis Antetokounmpo tipped in the game winning shot off of a miss and the Bucks won 104—102. Giannis finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists and Middleton added 23. Jaylen Brown had a fantastic game once again as he finished with 34 points and 8 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough as the Celtics headed back home with the series tied at 2.

Going into Game 5, it was the Celtics who had the pressure on them. Luckily for them, they were at home and they got healthier. Marcus Smart made a surprise return and was active for Game 5. He made his impact on defense and helped the Celtics win 92—87. It was a grind it out type of game and Smart played a big part into that. Al Horford played out of his mind as he finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds. The Celtics now have a chance to advance to on Thursday but the Bucks will come out on fire at home. Don’t be shocked if we head to a Game 7.

Steven Santoro (SVS_1993)