Bucks get it done by a long shot
They connect for 20 three-point baskets on the way to tying series at one game apiece.
MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 points and 10 rebounds, Khris Middleton made seven of Milwaukee’s 20 threepoint baskets and the Bucks beat the Boston Celtics 123102 on Tuesday night to tie their second-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Middleton finished with 28 points, and Eric Bledsoe had 21 points and five assists.
The Bucks led by as many as 31 points after a closely played first half. Game 3 is Friday night in Boston.
“I think that’s more what we’re accustomed to seeing,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “I liked our spirit, our activity, our competitiveness all up and down the roster. Giannis and Khris and Bled really set a tone.
“We need to capture that, take it to Boston with us and play that way up there.”
Marcus Morris scored 17 points for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown had 16 and Al Horford finished with 15.
Kyrie Irving, who had 26 points and 11 assists in the Celtics’ 112-90 victory in Game 1, had nine points on four-for-18 shooting.
“We weren’t very good on either end,” coach Brad Stevens said.
Milwaukee broke it open by outscoring Boston 39-18 in the third quarter. Antetokounmpo scored 15 points in the period, including a three-point basket over Horford to give the Bucks an 81-71 lead.
The Bucks went on a 24-2 run to carry a 98-73 lead into the fourth quarter.
“I think in Game 1 I didn’t do a good job finding my teammates,” Antetokounmpo said. “So of course I wanted to be aggressive, but then you’ve got to make the right plays.
“At the start of the game tonight, the right play was the pass.”
Irving credited the Bucks’ defensive plan.
“They did a great job of switching tonight and forcing me left,” Irving said. “I started the game off well getting downhill and setting an example for my teammates of how we want to play. I just didn’t put my stamp on that.”