The Bucks Hung On To Win A Thriller Over The Celtics In Game 4 And Tie The Series


Getty Image

The Bucks and Celtics produced another thriller in Game 4 in Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon. The Bucks appeared to be in full control of the game midway through, taking as large as a 20-point lead in the third quarter, but the Celtics refused to go away and stormed back behind a 34-point performance from Jaylen Brown to take a brief lead late in the fourth quarter.

However, as quickly as Boston snatched the lead away from Milwaukee, the Bucks took it back courtesy of a strip of Brown by Khris Middleton and, eventually, a corner three from Malcolm Brogdon.

The Celtics tied it again at 102-102 with 29 seconds to play following a pair of Al Horford free throws on the other end. The Celtics played a near-perfect defensive possession to force a tough lefty hook from Brogdon, but as the ball came off the rim, Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to tip it in for his 26th and 27th points of the afternoon to give Milwaukee the two-point lead with just five seconds to play.

For their final play, Boston was able to get Marcus Morris isolated on the right wing for the final play of the game, but his contested jumper over Khris Middleton bounced harmlessly off the rim to give Milwaukee the 104-102 victory and tie the series as it heads back to Boston.

The Bucks were able to hold serve in their two games at home thanks to continued strong play from Antetokounmpo and Middleton, but more importantly some inspired efforts from their bench unit. Jabari Parker, Thon Maker, and Matthew Dellavedova were all big in the win in their own ways. However, it all comes back to Antetokounmpo who produced the game-winner as well as a spectacular dunk over Al Horford late as the Celtics were pulling back within reach.


While Milwaukee will feel confident heading back into Boston, the Celtics can take some positives out of Game 4. They were able to battle back and take that brief 100-99 lead late and they have found themselves a star in Jaylen Brown who had a monster performance and hit some huge shots down the stretch.

Boston can also hope a return home will make their bench unit more comfortable, as the Celtics got just 15 bench points in Game 4, 13 of which came from Morris. In any case, this series has shifted dramatically after a pair of games in Milwaukee, but the Celtics still hold homecourt advantage and just need to hold on to that as they prepare for Game 5.

×