NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks
Final Score
Milwaukee Bucks beat Boston Celtics, 98-97
Stats
Boston Celtics: Field Goals 39-102 (38.2 percent), 55 rebounds, 19 assists, 11 steals, 7 turnovers.
Milwaukee Bucks: Field Goals 37-88 (42 percent), 64 rebounds, 21 assists, 5 steals, 16 turnovers.
The two heavyweights of the Eastern Conference, Bucks and Celtics clashed in a game coming off a long All-Star break and the hangover was visible as both the teams shredded coldness in the initial minutes of the game.
The Bucks who entered the game with the best record in the East and 8-for-2 in the last 10 games clinched a close victory. Prior to the climax, a very unusual shot clock violation happened followed by a confusing ruling.
Boston got the possession with a little more than 3 seconds left. Thanks to Kyrie Irving who couldn't convert which could have been a game-winner for the Celtics. The Bucks won the season series 2-1, their first over the Celtics since 2014-15.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s All-Star Captain, led the Bucks with 30 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Malcolm Brogdon and All-Star Khris Middleton came strong with 15 points apiece. The latest addition to the Bucks roster, Nikola Mirotic looked good while fitting in the Bucks' offense. In the 14 minutes of play, he drilled two 3-pointers, finished with 8 points and 3 rebounds.
The Boston Celtics, who were missing Gordon Hayward and Aron Baynes, brought in some hustle in the final minutes of the game but failed to hold on in a one-point loss. Kyrie Irving led the Celtics scoring with 22 points. He struggled to find his groove the entire night and could only manage 9-of-27 field goal attempts.
Al Horford came in with a strong double-double with 21 points and a season-high 17 rebounds. Jason Tatum was prolific on his touch and ended with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Celtics bench struggled in the game, however, Jaylen Brown was the only one to finish in double digits with 15 points.
#3 Nikola Mirotic's Bucks debut
The Bucks won it big before the trade deadline in form of Nikola Mirotic, whom they acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a three-team trade.
This was the first time that Mirotic took the floor in a Bucks uniform and was well applauded by the fans. It took him time to get in the groove within the Bucks' offense. His first points didn't come until the second quarter when he put a second chance basket. In the second half, Mirotic won the fans after drilling in two triples and posting defense against Celtic centers. In 13 minutes, he ended with 8 points and 3 rebounds.
Following a minutes restriction, Mirotic is continuing to work his way back from a lingering calf strain. The fans have got a glimpse of what Mirotic has in the package and will entertain them for rest of the season.