Antetokounmpo, Bucks push Celtics to the limit

Giannis Antetokounmpo asserted himself in the biggest game of his budding career with his team on the brink of playoff elimination.

Now it’s on to Game 7 for the Bucks.

Antetokounmpo had 31 points and 14 rebounds and the Bucks pulled away late to beat the Celtics 97-86 on Thursday night in Milwaukee to force a winner-takeall game Saturday night in Boston in the Eastern Conference first-round series.

“At the end, it was (all) about will,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was out there, I was trying to make plays, I was trying to be aggressive.

“We’ve grown as a team. We have a big opportunity ahead of us.”

Khris Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon each added 16 points for the Bucks, who haven’t played a seventh game in the playoffs since losing to the Hawks in the first round in 2010.

“This is what you work for,” Bucks coach Joe Prunty said. “Embrace that moment. Go out as a team, attack it together (and) find a way to get a win.”

Jayson Tatum scored 22 points and Terry Rozier had 18 for the Celtics. The Pacers felt cheated — by LeBron James and the officials.

And the NBA confirmed that indeed was the case.

Moments before James beat them Wednesday night with a step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer, the Pacers were poised to take the lead in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series on Victor Oladipo’s driving layup. However, James came from behind and blocked the shot, which appeared to hit the backboard before James touched it — a goaltending violation.

There was no call, but in its Last Two Minute Report posted Thursday the NBA said video indicated James’ block was goaltending. Under league rules, the play could not be reviewed because it wasn’t called on the floor.

Warriors guard Stephen Curry resumed full practice with contact and could play for the defending NBA champions as soon as Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals this weekend against the Pelicans.