Milwaukee vs Boston: Celtics Go Deer Hunting, Set Franchise Record

Last Sunday, the Boston Celtics struggled on the road to get by the Milwaukee Bucks, 89-83. Tonight at home? Not so much, as the Celtics cruised by the Bucks in a historical game that was never in question.

After a couple of weeks of suspect defense, the Celtics “trademark” defense was back in full showcase tonight.

In a first half to remember in Celtics history (well, a whole game), Boston held Milwaukee to a franchise low 22 points. The Bucks shot just 22.8 percent on 8(yes 8)-of-35 shooting. Andrew Bogut (who missed last's Sunday's game against Boston) had a high of six, with more rebounds at seven.

Compared to the Bucks, Boston's 39 first-half points was a swoon. Ray Allen and Nenad Krstic each had nine to lead the way. Krstic added 11 rebounds in the half, and has now in the previous two games matched his previous amount of double-digit rebound games on the year.

The Bucks had only nine points in the first quarter; Allen and Krstic had 10.

Starting the second half, the Bucks actually hit their first two shots and were able to get the lead down to 15, but that was as low as it got. By the end of the quarter, the Celtics built the lead back up past 20, 60-38.

Yes, if the Celtics hadn’t scored in the quarter, they still would’ve been up by one.

With concern of how many minutes the Celtics starting five have had to play of late, Coach Doc Rivers was allowed to rest his starters. No starter played over 30 minutes, and Rivers gave them the fourth quarter off.

It wasn’t until the 4:03 mark of the fourth that the Bucks finally broke 50. Earl Barron was responsible for that, scoring all 10 of his points in “garbage time.” Glenn Davis, making his return to action struggled early, but found his groove in the fourth, scoring all nine of his points in the fourth.

When the clock struck zero, the Celtics were easy victors, winning by 31, 87-56.

To continue with history, tonight’s defensive effort was the greatest in Celtics history (in the shot-clock era). Allowing only 56 points, breaks a 56-year record of only 57 allowed. In the final seconds, Kenyon Dooling was fouled, but missed both free throws to secure the record low.

The previous mark was set on Feb. 2, 1955, against of all teams the Milwaukee Hawks.

The win end the Celtics two-game losing streak.

Allen was the games high-scorer with 17. Krstic added 11 and 14 rebounds for back-to-back double-doubles. Paul Pierce 14, and Kevin Garnett 11.

Rajon Rondo only had two points and three assists, while Carlos Arroyo actually played more minutes in the game (25 to 23).

Troy Murphy had his coming out party, scoring 12 to lead the Celtics bench in scoring, he also added seven boards. Jeff Green was next with 11.