MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Bucks, motivated by facing the NBA-leading Boston Celtics, snapped out of their recent slump with a resounding 135-102 victory on Thursday. This win, only their second in six games, was marked by an impressive display of urgency and intensity.
Giannis Antetokounmpo emphasized the importance of maintaining this high level of performance against all teams, regardless of their standing. The Bucks showcased a remarkable 25-0 run in the first half, with Bobby Portis and Antetokounmpo scoring 20 consecutive points. Their halftime lead of 75-38 was the franchise’s fourth-largest.
After a disappointing 132-116 loss to the Utah Jazz, where they trailed by 31 at halftime, the Bucks’ response was emphatic. In contrast, the Celtics were playing their second game in as many days, having beaten the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-120 in overtime.
The Bucks focused on increasing their effort and physicality, as highlighted by guard Malik Beasley. This approach paid dividends, with Portis scoring 28 points and Antetokounmpo adding 24, both securing 12 rebounds each. Damian Lillard contributed 21 points, returning to the Bucks’ lineup after missing the previous game.
Bucks coach Adrian Griffin praised the team’s championship-level response. On the other hand, the Celtics, conceding their highest point total of the season, rested their starters for the second half. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser led the Celtics with 21 and 15 points, respectively, but their struggle from the 3-point line was evident.
The Bucks, shooting an impressive 56.5% overall, dominated the game, sidelining their starters in the fourth quarter. Jrue Holiday, in his first game back in Milwaukee since being traded, scored six points and received a warm ovation from the fans.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will host the Houston Rockets, while the Bucks face the Golden State Warriors, both games scheduled for Saturday.
