New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Giannis, Bucks take opener from Celts
BOSTON — Giannis Antetokounmpo had already picked up his dribble and spent half of a Eurostep when he realized he had nowhere to go with the ball.
Instead of attempting an offbalance shot or passing the ball to a well-guarded teammate, the two-time NBA MVP flicked the ball high off the backboard, then followed it to the rim for a slam dunk.
“That’s just pure talent, just pure instinct,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said on Sunday after Antetokounmpo recorded his second career postseason tripledouble in a 101-89 victory over the Boston Celtics.
“He’s a great player. He does things that are unique and special and timely,” Budenholzer said. “That’s one of those plays where you’re happy he’s on our side.”
Antetokounmpo had 24 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists as Milwaukee quickly grabbed home-court advantage in the second-round series. Jrue Holiday had 25 points and 10 rebounds and Bobby Portis had 15 points and 11 boards for the defending NBA champions.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Boston.
Jayson Tatum scored 21 and Jaylen Brown had 12 points, but the two Boston stars combined to shoot 10 for 31 in the game. Al Horford added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who fired up 50 3-pointers, making 18, and shot 33% from the floor as a team.
“Offensively, not our best night. I thought we guarded well enough,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. “To lose a 12-point game when we shot so poorly bodes well for us. In a way it’s good to get this dud out of the way, offensively.”
After shutting down Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in a four-game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, Boston couldn’t stop Antetokounmpo — even with greenhaired Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart shaking off a shoulder injury.
Antetokounmpo scored eight