The Boston Celtics reaffirmed their dominance over the Milwaukee Bucks with a gritty 111-105 victory Friday night, completing a commanding 3-0 season sweep. In front of an electrifying sellout crowd at TD Garden, the defending champions showcased their resilience, star power, and ability to close out tightly contested games.
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Despite missing key players like Kristaps Porzingis and enduring off nights from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, the Celtics found a way to secure the win, solidifying their position as the Eastern Conference team to beat. The night, however, felt more like a prelude to an epic playoff showdown between two basketball juggernauts.
A Playoff Atmosphere in December
From the opening tip, the game had the intensity of a postseason clash. Both teams traded blows with physical defense, exceptional ball movement, and dazzling individual performances. Boston’s Jayson Tatum led the charge, recording 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Jaylen Brown added 25 points. On the other side, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (30 points, 11 rebounds) and Damian Lillard (31 points) delivered star-caliber performances.
“It wasn’t a playoff game, but it was a special night,” Tatum said. “Playing against a team like Milwaukee in this kind of atmosphere is what basketball is all about. It’s why we work so hard.”
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The Celtics struggled early, particularly from beyond the arc, missing 15 consecutive 3-pointers. Yet, they stayed composed, leaning on their defense and clutch plays from veterans like Al Horford, who contributed 14 points and played a pivotal role down the stretch.
Key Moments Define the Game
With just 90 seconds left, the Bucks appeared poised to take control. Antetokounmpo found himself open on the left wing and stepped into his first 3-point attempt of the night. It missed, and Horford quickly responded with a decisive bucket on the other end, putting Boston up by four—a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
“Coming down, I saw Al Horford backing up,” Antetokounmpo said. “I felt like I could make it. I’d shoot it again if I had the chance.”
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Horford’s contribution wasn’t just limited to his play on the court. The energy in the building soared during the third quarter when his wife, Amelia, stood up from her front-row seat to rally the crowd as Antetokounmpo stepped to the free-throw line. Moments like these underscored the unique passion and history between these two teams.
Rivalry Rekindled
The rivalry between the Celtics and Bucks has grown increasingly fierce over the years. From a seven-game series in Jayson Tatum’s rookie year to their perennial battles atop the Eastern Conference, every matchup feels like a statement game.
“There are certain teams where it’s just different,” Horford said. “It’s not just another game; it’s Boston vs. Milwaukee. These games matter more, and we feel it every time.”
For the Bucks, Friday’s loss was another painful reminder of how far they need to climb. After a rocky 2-8 start to the season, Milwaukee has clawed back to .500 with nine wins in their last 11 games. Still, the Celtics remain their biggest obstacle.
“We’re going to get a lot better,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Right now, they’re the champs, and until someone beats them, they’ll stay the champs. But we’re going to close that gap.”
Looking Ahead
Boston’s depth and adaptability continue to shine. Even without Porzingis and with limited contributions from their bench, the Celtics proved they could match Milwaukee’s firepower. Meanwhile, the Bucks’ star duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard continues to gel, but questions linger about their supporting cast.
As both teams set their sights on the playoffs, one thing is clear: the road to the NBA Finals in the East runs through Boston. For fans, Friday night’s clash was a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
“It’s just another special night at TD Garden,” Tatum said. “These moments don’t come often, and we don’t take them for granted.”
