Giannis Antetokoumpo had a game high 36 points as the Milwaukee Bucks got past the Boston Celtics 119-112 in the first game back for both teams in the NBA restart at the bubble at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida Friday night.
Milwaukee (54-12) jumped out quickly to a 17-2 lead in the opening quarter, before Boston got within five at one point. The Bucks led 33-25 after the opening 12 minutes. After the Celtics got within 34-33 early in the second, the Bucks would eventually stretch it back to 14 later in the quarter. Another run would trim the deficit to just three again, but Milwaukee led by six at the break 64-58. Boston (43-22) finally caught all the way up with 2:36 left in the third when Marcus Smart converted a three point play to tie it 80-80, and then 34 seconds later gave the green their first lead with a three-pointer to make it 83-82. The game would go to the fourth tied at 87-87. After the Bucks build an early seven point lead in the final quarter, the Celtics once again made a push. Jaylen Brown knocked in a three-pointer with 6:50 left to garner a lead once again 99-98. That was the last lead for Boston. They would tie it twice over the final 3:05, but it was a Khris Middleton three-pointer and a Antetokoumpo three point play late that would put the game away.
Antetokoumpo added 15 rebounds and seven assists to his game high point total. Middleton had 18 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, while Brooke Lopez had 14 points and four rebounds, and Donte Divincenzo rounded out the double digit scorers with 10 points and six rebounds. Smart came off the bench to lead the Boston scorers with 23 points and also grab four rebounds. Brown finished with 22 points and four rebounds. Also adding double digits was Gordon Hayward with 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, Kemba Walker with 16 points, Brad Wanamaker with 14 points and six rebounds, and Daniel Theis with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Walker only played 19 minutes as he works his way back from a knee injury. Jayson Tatum struggled in his first game in the restart, shooting just 2-18 from the floor for five points.
Boston will take on Portland on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The Trailblazers are coming off a 140-135 overtime win over Memphis Friday.
