"It wasn’t a great boxing match where both guys are tired and 1 person wins like ‘oh my gosh, 2 champions’” - NBA analyst on the Boston Celtics’ epic collapse vs Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
From a position of strength the Boston Celtics ended up losing a crucial game at home to a Milwaukee Bucks team inspired by clutch performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday. Holiday sealed the win for Milwaukee with crucial defensive stops on Marcus Smart.
Following their big win in Game 5, the Bucks are in a position to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference finals on their home floor. After a strong surge in the second half of the regular season, the Celtics find themselves with their backs against the wall and they might look back on this as a huge missed opportunity to take a lead in this series. Although things look bleak for the Celtics, one thing they should feel confident about is that they are capable of winning on the road. Thanks to big performances from Al Horford and Jayson Tatum, Boston won Game 4 on Milwaukee's home court.
After seeing the Celtics cough up Game 5, Kevin Wildes has made up his mind regarding the series. He called the game a total disaster, and feels this Boston core will never be able to get past Giannis Antetokounmpo in their quest for a championship. Wildes was also shocked at the lack of three-pointers attempted by them in the fourth quarter.
"I appreciate the triumph of man, and what makes sports wonderful."
It's worse than that for the Celtics - Giannis is Tom Brady - will just dominate the east for years and there's nothing you can do about it. twitter.com/FTFonFS1/statu…
Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be denied
Part of why Giannis Antetokounmpo turned into one of the game's best is because he has a strong competitive nature and desire to become an all-time great. His performance against the Celtics was a testament to that.
Even without his running mate Khris Middleton, the Bucks are going toe-to-toe against one of the league's best teams and defenses. More importantly, Giannis is doing whatever is needed to get Milwaukee one step closer to repeating as champions.
Whether it was going for a triple-double in Game 1 or 40 points in Game 5, Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be stopped. Seeing as though the Celtics were seen as the team to be able to best contain him, this should send a message to the rest of the league.
When the lights are at their brightest, there is yet to be a team that can slow down Giannis. The Boston Celtics just got a taste of what Giannis has done to teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets.
Giannis recorded his 6th 40-point, 10-rebound game in the playoffs tonight.
40 PTS | 11 REB | 3 AST https://t.co/a8ghNit2bW
The Eastern Conference is filled with incredible talent, but the question needs to be asked if they will ever get the chance to show what they can do on the grandest stage. While Giannis remains at his apex, it seems unlikely a team or star will come along that can out-duel him in a seven-game series.