Aussie duo help Bucks get to decider
AUSTRALIAN duo Thon Maker and Matthew Dellavedova remain alive in the NBA playoffs after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated Aron Baynes’ Boston Celtics to send their first-round series to a game seven decider.
Bucks’ coach Joe Prunty elevated Maker to the starting line-up and the 216cm tall 21- year-old helped deliver the energy his team needed in Milwaukee yesterday with a 97-86 win.
“Clearly their speed, length and athleticism impacted us,” Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens said.
If the Bucks lost they would have been eliminated.
Instead, they tied the series 3-3 to set up what should be a drama-charged winner-takes-the-series game seven tomorrow at Boston’s TD Garden arena.
The game seven victor will take on Aussie phenomenon Ben Simmons’ Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
Maker combined with the Bucks’ 211cm All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo to present a long and athletic obstacle for the Celtics.
Antetokounmpo was the most dominant player with 31 points and 14 rebounds.
“We came in with focus and the team agreed we would win the game no matter what,” Antetokounmpo said.
Dellavedova had three points and six assists.
Boston was led by Jayson Tatum’s 22 points and Baynes had two points and four rebounds.
Maker had four points and grabbed seven rebounds, some at crucial points in the game, and used his length and speed to harass, alter Celtics’ shots and dive on loose balls.