3 biggest concerns for Milwaukee Bucks with series tied 1-1 vs Celtics
Following a 109-86 defeat in Game 2 of this monumental second-round matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks are now all tied up with the Boston Celtics in the series at 1-1.
While there’s plenty of optimism for the Bucks with the series shifting to Milwaukee, there are also concerns that the defending champions must address as they seek a second-consecutive Eastern Conference Finals berth.
As the Boston Celtics even the series at 1-1 after controlling Game 2, we take a look at the three biggest concerns for the Milwaukee Bucks moving forward.
From the opening tip, the Celtics dominated the Bucks behind stellar performances from their two rising stars, riveting defense, and red-hot shooting from beyond the arc throughout Game 2. Even without Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, Boston was able to bounce back and earn the must-win at home to tie the series.
Jaylen Brown stole the spotlight, dropping a team-high 30 points on 61.1 percent shooting along with six assists, five rebounds, two steals, one block, and six 3-point baskets. Jayson Tatum tallied 29 points, eight assists, and three steals on 50.0 percent shooting while Grant Williams provided a major spark off the bench by contributing 21 points on 6-of-9 3-point field goals and exceptional defense.
The Celtics made a franchise playoff-high 20 threes on 43 attempts, shooting 46.5 percent from beyond the arc as a team. In comparison, the Bucks shot an abysmal 16.7 percent from three, connecting on only 3-of-18 attempts from the perimeter.
Milwaukee dominated the paint, outscoring Boston 54-24, but it didn’t make much of a difference as the Celtics couldn’t be cooled down from behind the arc offensively. Coach Ime Udoka’s squad led by as many as 26 points during Tuesday night’s contest.
After the Bucks cruised to a victorious Game 1, the Celtics made the proper adjustments and simply made their perimeter shots this time around as they reminded the world how much firepower and versatility they have.
With the series tied 1-1 following two completely different games to begin this electrifying second-round matchup in the NBA Playoffs, let’s take a look at the three biggest concerns for the Milwaukee Bucks moving forward.