As we look forward to another set of awesome Game 2s in the Playoffs, let’s look back at some highlights and insights that could have set the tone of the series and validate or negate our perspective of this first-round match-up.
Here are some highlights and insights from the Game 1 results:
Boston Celtics 113, Milwaukee Bucks 107 (OT)
BOS leads 1-0
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Losing Gordon Hayward six minutes after the opening tip of their first game of the season and Kyrie Irving just before the start of the postseason is already devastating for the Boston Celtics. Imagine going to the playoffs without your two prized superstars whom you have acquired during the offseason to help the team rally back on top of the Eastern Conference.
It seemed that all their hopes are gone, especially against a talent-laden Milwaukee Bucks. But by the final buzzer, the Celtics came out on top and gained the advantage in their series. Five Celts scored in double digits, led by Al Horford with 24, Terry Rozier with 23, and Marcus Morris with 21. Jaylen Brown added 20 points while rookie Jayson Tatum took the spotlight with a 19 points-10 rebounds double-double performance, including a key defensive stop to deny Eric Bledsoe in overtime. Bucks were led by their All-Star duo Giannis Antetokounmpo who gathered 35 points, 13 boards, seven assists and three steals, and Khris Middleton, who tallied 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and an amazing buzzer-beater to force OT.
Three things to consider in this series after Game 1:
CELTICS NEEDS A “NOTHING TO LOSE” ATTITUDE
With two superstars down, the Boston Celtics’ chances might be depleted. But this can also fuel them to the top. Having this attitude opens opportunities for players to step in and to give their all. This is a chance for Al Horford to impose his will on both ends of the floor and be the man for Boston. It’s also a time for Morris, Rozier, and Brown to fill in the gaps on their offense. This can also be a way to prove the worth and readiness of Tatum to increase his role and play big for Celtics. If they lose, they will gain not only respect for not giving up but also praises for hanging on despite their roster. If they win, they go beyond other’s expectations and validate Brad Stevens brilliance even more. So, they need to play hard every game.
GIANNIS AND MIDDLETON NEED MORE FROM THE TEAM
Giannis will continue to be a “Freak” and will be playing at an All-World level. But he needs his team to step it up. Middleton stepped out of the shadows to show his true worth. Malcolm Brogdon shared 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists. But this was not enough to give them the win. The Bucks need monster production and presence from both Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker, who have been disappointing for Game 1. Bledsoe committed five of their 20 turnovers and was limited to just nine points while Parker’s meager contribution was two points and four rebounds in 15 minutes. They need to make an impact if they want to take a win on the road.
THIS CAN BE AN EXCITING SERIES BY PLAYING GOOD BASKETBALL
The resilient and defensive Boston team, minus their offensive threat, against an aggressive Milwaukee team, can be a recipe for a good series. However, Game 1 showed an offensive struggling Celtics against a sloppy Bucks. Bucks had 20 turnovers against 15 of Celtics, but Boston was able to convert 27 points out of the Bucks’ turnovers. Boston also had six more offensive rebounds, highlighting Milwaukee’s lack of defensive stance from the shaded area.
Nonetheless, this can still be an exciting series especially when both teams play with much more intensity and much less carelessness. Game 1 was salvaged by some interesting turn of events down the stretch:
It all started with a three from Malcolm Brogdon to tie the game 96 a-piece with 10.3 seconds left.
Then Terry Rozier cooked Bledsoe and dropped an ice-cold game-winning three to take the lead back to Boston.
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But Khris Middleton sent a message, “let’s keep playing!” and silenced the crowd with his tying three at the buzzer!
Then we go to overtime and see a defensive block from the third pick overall to seal the victory for Boston!
This will be a great series.
Series Prediction after Game 1: A seesaw battle between the 2nd and 7th seeded team with the Bucks upsetting the Celtics.
