BOSTON — The Boston Celtics got the gift they wanted for Christmas. Their once unstoppable offensive, which had disappeared in recent weeks, finally resurfaced. Led by 41 points from Jayson Tatum and 29 points from Jaylen Brown, the Celtics outran the Bucks in the second half and won 139-118.
Tatum helped the Celtics take control of the game in the third quarter with a great 20-point frame. He scored all over the area, not just in the third but all night. The Bucks just didn’t have an answer for his string of jumpers and drives, which he complemented with 10 trips to the free-throw line. He finished his fifth straight 30-point game with 41 points, seven rebounds and five assists with 14 of 22 from the field.
The Celtics also caught fire from downtown, something they haven’t been able to do in nearly two weeks. They hit eight 3s in the first quarter alone, including a throw at Sam Hauser’s buzzer, and finished 19 of 39 behind the arc. This was the 10th time they’ve made at least 19 3s in a game this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 27 points and nine rebounds to lead the Bucks, but this was a tough outing for the two-time MVP. Similar to the playoffs, the Celtics made him work for every single point and kept him off the field on 9 of 22. Even the shots he hit were mostly jumpers.