The Boston Celtics continue on their roll since the All-Star break, even more impressive on Monday night, on the second night of a back-to-back. Not only was it a home-away series for Boston who defeated the Sixers on Sunday then traveled to Milwaukee to face the Bucks, but they did so without Jaylen Brown or Neemias Queta in the lineup. On the other side, the Bucks saw the return of their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo who was capped at 25 minutes and finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
As it's been most of the season, when the Celtics have to have contributions from other role players, there have been multiple players who have stepped up when called upon to deliver. Six different Boston players scored in double figures, with Payton Pritchard leading the way with 25 points, while both Hugo Gonzalez and Derrick White added 18 points each.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere's a quick recap of tonight's win over the Bucks:
Final score: Boston Celtics 108, Milwaukee Bucks 81
Keys to the game:
Contributions from everyone: The aforementioned six players in double figures shows exactly what this Celtics team has been built on all year, any player at any time mentality. They shot 43% from the field, and 40% from 3-point range, and only three players reaching over 30 minutes on the night.
Hugo Gonzalez's big game on both ends: Even with Payton Pritchard leading the way and Derrick White going for 18 points, no one had a game as good as Gonzalez on the night while getting a start for the night. Gonzalez put up 18 points and 16 rebounds, and then added to his stat line with three steals, two blocks, and 5 offensive rebounds on the night. Wherever the basketball was on Monday night, Gonzalez was not far behind.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDominance in multiple areas: Not only did Boston win the game, but they did so by dominating the rebounds, points in the paint, and more assists, while having less turnovers as well. Boston's biggest lead was 31 points, while Milwaukee's biggest lead was just seven points on the night. The Celtics were close betting favorites before the game tipped off, but took control early on and did not let up throughout.
Highlight of the game: Hugo Gonzalez gets it done at both ends of the court
What's next: vs. Charlotte Hornets, Wednesday, March 4, 7:30PM ET
Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) reacts after making a there pointer during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn ImagesFor the first time this season, the Boston Celtics will face a familiar face in former assistant coach Charles Lee and the Charlotte Hornets. In what will be the first of three matchups this season, the Celtics will face a young, upstart Hornets team led by a young trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel who has taken the league by storm with his scoring abilities. The Hornets can undoubtedly put the ball in the basket, so this game could be a track meet, and it should be expected that Boston will see the returns of Neemias Queta and Jaylen Brown in this matchup.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics spoil return of Giannis, blowout Milwaukee Bucks on road
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