Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks: Celtics Squeak By Bucks, Win 5th Straight
The Celtics came into Milwaukee without their "A" game, but were still able to put away a subpar Bucks team late in the game to pick up their fifth win in a row.
The “Jeff Green Era” continues to bring nothing but success; one has to wonder if they’ll ever lose again.
But seriously, the Celtics are playing great ball right now, with Green and Nenad Krstic becoming fully immersed in the “Green” system.
Early on, the Celtics struggled against the Bucks. Midway through the first, the home team had jumped out to a double-digit lead, 20-10. But by the end of the quarter, that lead had evaporated and the Celtics had taken a one point lead, 27-26.
The ever-growing sensation Krstic led the way in the first with 12 points. By game's end, he would be the Celtics second-leading scorer with 17—his best output to date with the C's.
The second quarter got off to the same start as the first, as the Bucks came out on a 12-2 run to take back the lead. The only difference was there was no Celtics comeback and the Bucks went into halftime ahead 49-43.
Coming out of the half, Boston turned the tide on Milwaukee, outscoring the Bucks 26-16—going into the final frame the Celtics held a four-point lead, 69-65.
Paul Pierce, the Celtics' leading scorer of the night (tied for total lead scorer with Brandon Jennings) had 20 of his 23 points in the first three quarter—seven in the C's turnaround third quarter.
Just over the halfway point of the fourth, the Bucks would tie the game (77-77) on a Brandon Jennings free throw after a three-point play (these would be the last of Jennings' 23 points).
The two teams would trade baskets, until the score was 82-82. From there on, the Celtics were able to pull away.
With the Bucks trailing by three, and with the ball, Kevin Garnett came up with a block of John Salmons. After a foul on Rajon Rondo, the ensuing inbounds pass saw Pierce break free towards the basket.
He was fouled, but was able to get the ball up and in the basket for a three-point play that iced the game at 89-83.
Rondo had an off game for most of the night—only having six points and eight assists, but also having eight turnovers. He did show up in the clutch in the fourth, with four of his points and multiple assists.
Garnett had a double-double, 14 PTS, 11 REB, plus a key shot and the before mentioned block in the final minute.
Troy Murphy continued his streak to three games with the Celtics without making a shot from the field. Green made it into double digits for the second straight game, scoring 11.
Sasha Pavlovich had one three through 12 minutes in his Celtics debut.
