By Stefan Djordjevic/ sdjordjevic@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks made a statement with a 101-89 road win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The wide-spread narrative prior to the tip-off was that the Celtics – who swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round – would limit Giannis Antetokounmpo, as they did Kevin Durant, with their defensive prowess and that the Bucks would struggle due to it since Khris Middleton is sidelined with injury.
However, the reigning champions proved their worth from the start. Despite missing Middleton and even Giannis having an ‘off night’ with 36% from the floor, Milwaukee had impressive control of the floor throughout the whole game and eventually logged a rather convincing win.
Giannis had a bad shooting night (9-25 FG) but was still successfully getting to the spots that he likes for comfortable shots. He also impacted the floor constantly on both sides in other ways and finished the game with a triple-double of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists while also making two blocks.
DOMINATION #GreekFreakpic.twitter.com/zeNkOGessb
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Jrue Holiday was a key factor in this game and he will be crucial in the series going forward as well. He banked in 25 points while dishing five assists, grabbing ten boards, and stealing the ball three times. Bobby Portis stepped up too with 15 points and 11 rebounds, including some important baskets.
When it comes to Boston, Jayson Tatum led the scorers with 21 points while Jaylen Brown and Al Horford scored 12 each. Unlike in the previous series, the Celtics faced much more trouble offensively and it showed in their percentages, finishing the game with 33% from the field.
They shot better from the three-point range than from the two-point territory and Milwaukee’s defensive length was the main hurdle that the Celtics couldn’t solve. Giannis was very active in the paint on defense and his presence on the rim gave Tatum and the rest of the Celtics visible frustration.
The third-seeded Bucks succeeded in stealing the home-court advantage with the 1-0 lead and Game 1 made one thing obvious. As long as Giannis isn’t bothered by the Celtics’ defensive pressure and is able to keep a cool head, controlling the flow of the game, the outcome of the series is certain.