NBA Fans Applaud Celtics' Jayson Tatum in Win vs. Lillard, Bucks with Giannis Out

Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo out with a hamstring injury, the Boston Celtics needed a big night out of Jayson Tatum in order to hold off the Milwaukee Bucks.

The first-place Celtics hosted the second-place Bucks on Wednesday in what was the third matchup of the season between the two. Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo was out with an injury, so Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton and the rest of the team had to really step up in order to try topple the mighty Celtics.

Unfortunately for Milwaukee, the Celtics successfully defended their home court despite a late charge from the Bucks and emerged with a 122-119 victory.

Jayson Tatum had a strong day with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and four blocks. Derrick White added 23 points and eight assists, Jaylen Brown had 21 points and eight rebounds and Payton Pritchard had 19 points and six rebounds off the bench.

Lillard and Middleton had 32 and 22 points respectively, but the only other Buck to eclipse 10 points was Bobby Portis off of the bench, who had 24.

Even though Milwaukee wasn't at full strength, fans took to social media to praise the Celtics, and Tatum in particular, for showing what it can do against a contender.

The win improves Boston to 55-14 and increased its hold over the top seed to 11 games. Milwaukee falls to 44-25 and is in danger of falling below the third place-Cleveland Cavaliers.

This will not be the final matchup between the two foes as a rematch on April 9 in Milwaukee will conclude the regular-season series.