It might take a while to breath normally after witnessing an epic Game 5 thriller between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Despite the Celtics leading and controlling the majority of the game, the Bucks stormed back in the fourth quarter to steal a crucial 110-107 win on the road and take a commanding 3-2 series lead.
Milwaukee will now have a chance to eliminate Boston in Game 6 at home and advance to its second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Following a resilient Game 5 win, let’s dive into three takeaways for the Bucks as the campaign to repeat as NBA Champions continues to be an eventful experience.
The Milwaukee Bucks are showcasing their championship resiliency once again
During last season’s title-winning run, the Milwaukee Bucks’ ultimate team resiliency was on full display whether it was overcoming the Brooklyn Nets in seven games, knocking out the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals without Giannis Antetokounmpo, or winning four straight games after going down 0-2 against the Phoenix Suns to make history in the NBA Finals. Well, the resilient Bucks struck again on Wednesday night.
After trailing by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Milwaukee Bucks triumphantly came all the way back to shock the Celtics at TD Garden and earn the hard-fought Game 5 win. Thanks to more brilliant superstardom from the reigning Finals MVP, hardcore perseverance, and multiple clutch moments within the last minute, the Bucks put together a mesmerizing come-from-behind victory.
It seemed like the Khris Middleton-less Bucks were shot in the dark in the early stages of the final quarter and again when Al Horford delivered a vicious put-back slam dunk with just over two minutes remaining, but if there’s anything that we’ve learned over the last two years, it’s that this team should never be counted out. Milwaukee has shown time and time again that they will never quit. They’re the defending champions for a reason and will never shy away from a little adversity.
P.J. Tucker’s “dawg mentality” and toughness were a major part of the Bucks’ resiliency last year but even though he’s no longer with the team, head coach Mike Budenholzer’s squad has only maintained its resilient soul in these playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks still have the pure heart, fight, and elasticity that molds their championship DNA.