Giannis hits triple-double as Bucks defeat Celtics 101-89 in Game 1

The Milwaukee Bucks lead a 1-0 game series in the Conference Semifinals after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 1 101-89 on Sunday at TD Garden. Helping the Bucks to claim their first lead was forward Giannis Antetokounmpo who racked up his triple-double.

The Celtics suffered mostly from both poor shooting and offensive plays as the team tried to best Antetokounmpo early with a blitz on the defensive end early in the game.

There was physical contact as both teams collide, but Milwaukee bested Boston in the first quarter all the way to the fourth despite a slight slump in the third as the Celtics tried to close up the gap.

Antetokounmpo seals victory for Milwaukee

Game 1 in the second round of the playoff was not the best the Celtics can offer. As Boston made only 33.3 percent of field goals. In other words as low as managed 28 out of 84 shots from the field. However, the other statistics are pretty much comparable with the Bucks’.

But for Milwaukee, it was the team’s time to shine leading 56-46 ahead of the second half of the game. Alongside Antetokounmpo who made 24 points, 12 assists, and 13 rebounds as he extends his career resume by adding his second postseason triple-double.

“What did I see? I had the ball and I was like, ‘Oh, crap. I’m going to get stuck,” the 27-year-old said. “I threw it to the backboard. I’m lucky enough that God blessed me with the ability to jump. I had a good jump to go get it again and I was able to finish the play.”

The Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer praised the "Greek Freak" for his performance and revealed he was happy that the professional player is playing for Milwaukee.

“That’s just pure talent, just pure instinct,” Budenholzer added. “He’s a great player. He does things that are unique and special and timely. That’s one of those plays where you’re happy he’s on our side.”

The 2021 NBA Champion made eight straight points for the Bucks in the first half to ensure 10 points margin-wide ahead of the break. Milwaukee would make 11 of the next 14 points which gave them a 94-78 lead.

Milwaukee guard Jrue Holiday sealed the team’s victory with his team-high 25 points, five assists, and nine rebounds.

“I can’t do that. I wouldn’t even think about trying,” Holiday praised Giannis. “He’s got a great nickname.”

Boston slumps ahead of Game 2

Boston was one if not the most over-the-top franchise in the first round of the playoff being the only team to sweep its series opponent and had won 26 of its last 32 regular-season games.

The Celtics were also best known for their versatile defense and easy switch to the offense. However, the franchise appeared to lack in defending the advancing Antetokounmpo and striking back the Bucks.

“Offensively, not our best night. I thought we guarded well enough,” Boston head coach Ime Udoka explained. “To lose a 12-point game when we shot so poorly bodes well for us. In a way, it’s good to get this dude out of the way, offensively.”

It is indeed not the end of the line for Boston, as the two are scheduled to meet this week on Tuesday. However, if Udoka and his men failed to up both their defensive and offensive line, Milwaukee could repeat its stellar Game 1 performance.