Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Boston Celtics leaned heavily on Jayson Tatum’s performance to fend off the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Celtics, sitting atop the rankings, welcomed the Bucks, positioned second, on Wednesday for their third clash of the season. Antetokounmpo’s absence meant Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and the Bucks’ roster had to step up significantly to challenge the formidable Celtics.
Despite a late surge from the Bucks, the Celtics managed to protect their home court and secured a 122-119 win.
#CelticsWin pic.twitter.com/IQtNL261to
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 21, 2024
“Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBPCeltics win their 7th straight, 10th straight at home. Boston clinches the Atlantic Division and at least a 2-seed in the East. Their magic number to clinch the #1 seed in the East is now 3 with 13 games to play.”
Jayson Tatum showcased a stellar performance with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and four blocks. Derrick White contributed 23 points and eight assists, Jaylen Brown added 21 points and eight rebounds, while Payton Pritchard delivered 19 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Hesi and high off the glass… 23 in the 1H for Jayson Tatum 😮💨
Boston leads 69-56 at the break on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bNJPtSo2fu
— NBA (@NBA) March 21, 2024
Despite strong performances from Lillard and Middleton, with 32 and 22 points respectively, only Bobby Portis, coming off the bench, managed to exceed 10 points for the Bucks, finishing with 24.
Even with Milwaukee missing key players, fans praised the Celtics, especially Tatum, for demonstrating their prowess against a top contender.
Tatum knocks down the three for 8 quick points in Boston 🔥
Bucks-Celtics underway on ESPN pic.twitter.com/prC1Z9vIBb
— NBA (@NBA) March 20, 2024
The victory boosts Boston’s record to 55-14, extending their lead for the top seed by 11 games. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s record slips to 44-25, putting them at risk of dropping below the third-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
The rivalry between these teams isn’t over yet, with a rematch scheduled for April 9th in Milwaukee to conclude their regular-season series.
