The Milwaukee Bucks dropped a hectic game one of what looks to be an entertaining series. Despite the Bucks position as underdog, many sports analysts including NBA legend Charles Barkley voiced their support for the Bucks. Due to season ending injuries to both Boston Celtics all stars, many fans expect an upset out of the Milwaukee Bucks. If that upset does happen, the Bucks would play the winner of the Sixers/Heat series. The Sixers are currently up 1-0.
The Bucks began the game off to a good start until an array of errant passes consumed the offensive flow. Boston, who ended the first quarter on a 15-0 run, had forced 8 turnovers in the first quarter. Down by 12 to begin the second quarter, the game was all Celtics. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. decided that they wanted to change that. Giannis had 12 points through the first few minutes of the second quarter and with four minutes to go the Bucks had swung a 12 point deficit to a 10 point lead. After a blocked shot late in the quarter, the Celtics punched the Bucks in the gut with a last-second reverse finish. To end the half, the Bucks had a 47-44 lead as Giannis and Middleton both had upwards of 15 points.
Halfway through the third quarter, the game was back and forth with both defenses stifling any chances of offense. John Henson was a key part of the defensive battle having 5 blocks at that point, and fast hands on both sides caused steals galore. Khris was a shooting threat with more 3-point shots than the Celtics team combined. Both teams saw leads turn to dust and momentum was impatient with both teams. Celtics role players stole the show as the Celtics took a 4 point lead heading into the final 12 minutes. Also, the Celtics began to shoot and make the three ball.
The game was a gut-wrencher for Bucks fans in the fourth quarter. After being outplayed all of the quarter, the Bucks came within 4 points with a few minutes left in the game. After an airball by rookie Jayson Tatum, Giannis drove in for a layup and brought it to two points. After free throws from Giannis, the game remained within two points. With seconds left in the game, “The Prez” Malcolm Brogdon drilled a three-pointer to tie the game. With Terry Rozier in possession of the ball, a complete defensive breakdown by Eric Bledsoe gave Rozier the opening to drill a wide-open three putting the Celtics up three with under a second left. Then Khris Middleton happened. An inbound from Giannis gave Khris a chance at a shot from near half court. Against all odds the shot went straight through. This then sent the game into overtime tied at 99-99. Overtime was filled with controversy as a call for a jump ball was overruled by a referee without an angle on the play. This gave the Celtics the ball and gave Giannis his sixth foul. In conclusion, this game could have gone either way and the series still has much to hold.
By: Weston Olds
Milwaukee Bucks Lose Game One 107-113
