The Boston Celtics didn’t even make it to the second half of Thursday’s Eastern Conference showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks. Well, technically speaking, the Celtics still came out of the locker room after the break, but the game was over at that point after Milwaukee mounted a huge 37-point lead after the first two quarters of action.
The Celtics, who were coming off a taxing overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, decided to rest their starters in the second half of what turned out to be an absolute blowout.
Celtics Prove No Match to Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks got hot early on and they simply never looked back. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla waved the white flag at halftime, deciding to yank Jayson Tatum and the rest of his starters for the remainder of the game.
Bobby Portis led the way for Milwaukee in this one, dropping 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting, to go along with five triples, 12 rebounds, a steal, and zero turnovers in just 22 minutes off the bench.
Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t bad either, scoring 24 points on 10-of-13 from the field, with 12 rebounds and six dimes. Damian Lillard contributed 21 points, three triples, and four assists in just 27 minutes of action.
Bucks Fans Rejoice on Twitter
This was an undeniably massive win for the Bucks, who came into the game with a disappointing 1-4 record for the month of January. There’s no better way to spark what this team is hoping will be an upcoming resurgence than with a huge statement win against the best team in the NBA.
Unsurprisingly, Bucks fans on Twitter have been rejoicing after the victory:
Bucks own the Celtics
— 🦇 (@Shadowiscold) January 12, 2024
Amazing win and performance from the get go. The Celtics can complain about a B2B but going down 40 regardless is embarrassing for “the best in the nba”.
When we figure it out and tighten up on defence, it’s scary for the NBA. LETS GO BUCKS 🦌🦌
— Mo (@AraujoGOAT) January 12, 2024
Giannis and dem boys goated together, just need more reps 🔥🤝🏿 pic.twitter.com/CLGraPRiOu
— J👑BLEACHTYBW (@Animesempai0) January 12, 2024
Celtics still suck! Bucks run the east 🥳
— Goo$e (@gooseislooser) January 12, 2024
By far the best performance of the season. This team’s ceiling is undoubtedly a championship – they just need to play like it every single night
— Green Devils (@Green_Devils_) January 12, 2024
So this is what happens when the equipment manager puts in the work pic.twitter.com/TgQbR1Yhpa
— Akong (@akongzinoo) January 12, 2024
Accurate representation of what the #Bucks did to the Celtics tonight 😅 pic.twitter.com/vqLuAcPaub
— Nick Bruesewitz (@NickBruesewitz) January 12, 2024
There’s a lot more from where that came from, too.
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