Grading Milwaukee Bucks’ gritty Game 5 comeback win vs. Boston Celtics

Grading Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 5 Comeback Win: Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics: C

The Boston Celtics led this game by 14 points with 10:16 left in the game, also by 11 with 8:15 remaining, and the Milwaukee Bucks took a page from the Celtics game 4 book and did not go away. The Bucks eventually finished the game on an 11-2 run over the final 1:34.

Jayson Tatum did score 34 points for Boston, however, it took him 29 shots to get those 34 points, Tatum was also 2-for-11 behind the 3-point line, often opting to shoot contested jump shots regardless of who was guarding him.

Jaylen Brown took over the third quarter which helped Boston maintain their lead but ultimately his 26 points weren’t enough to help Boston win game 5 even with eight rebounds and six assists with just two turnovers.

Marcus Smart was an efficient 6-for-11 from the field but his three turnovers proved costly, the final one being on the last possession of the game which kept Boston from having a chance to heave up a last second 3-point shot to potentially tie the game. Jrue Holiday literally stole that chance away from the Celtics.

Al Horford was much quieter offensively despite remaining efficient, Horford scored eight points but only took seven shots after his 30-point outburst in game 4. Horford also had eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Perhaps part of what cut into Horford’s production was Daniel Theis, who scored 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting, likely a welcomed sight from Boston’s fans and coaching staff alike.

Derrick White and Payton Pritchard both played efficient offense and serviceable defense, so what went wrong for Boston?

Ultimately, Grant Williams remaining scoreless, missing the three shots he took while also being in foul trouble and committing a turnover that earned an earful from his head coach, pair that with the electric surge by the Milwaukee Bucks in the closing minutes on both ends of the floor.

Now the Celtics face elimination on the road Friday night.