After a thrilling comeback win on the road in Game 5, the Milwaukee Bucks returned home to face the Boston Celtics with a chance to close out the series in Game 6.
Despite Milwaukee’s sensational finish in the previous game, they carried none of that momentum over into Game 6. Without sugarcoating it, this was an embarrassing performance by the Bucks as old habits continued to plague them throughout, which played into them squandering this perfect opportunity to close out the series. After a dreadful effort, if one could even use that word, Boston took down Milwaukee 108-95 and evened up the series 3-3. There will be a Game 7, but before it happens, here are three takeaways from a lackluster Game 6.
The 3-point shooting battle between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics was once again a significant story in Game 6
With each passing game in this series, it has consistently felt like the Milwaukee Bucks are due for a big shooting night from three. With each passing game, it has failed to happen. Many believed it had finally come with a golden opportunity to close out the series at home, but, unfortunately, the Bucks could not buy a bucket from the outside once again.
The Bucks shot 7-of-29 (24.1 percent) from 3-point range last night, once again struggling to find any semblance of a groove from 3-point land. Giannis Antetokounmpo was responsible for two of those 3-pointers, which gave the team a huge boost. Yet, even with Antetokounmpo hitting, it was hard for the Bucks to get into a rhythm with Jrue Holiday shooting 3-of-10, Grayson Allen going an abysmal 0-of-4, and Bobby Portis going 0-of-3 from long range. Milwaukee’s overall offense was not much better as they shot just 40.9 percent from the floor, but this poor 3-point shooting was a significant reason why.
Meanwhile, the Celtics had no such problem finding their stride from three as they shot 17-of-43 (39.5 percent) in Game 6. The Bucks’ drop scheme defensively opened the door for the Celtics to find a groove straight away, and it worked as they shot a scorching-hot 8-of-15 from three in the first quarter alone. They carried this hot start throughout the remainder of the game as Boston consistently torched Milwaukee, largely due to Jayson Tatum. The All-Star knocked down seven triples by himself in this one, which tied Milwaukee as a team. That is unacceptable by the Bucks.
Milwaukee’s inability to knock down perimeter shots while leaving the perimeter open has been a significant issue in this series, and that continued to be the case last night. The Milwaukee Bucks should attempt to get these issues resolved before Game 7.
Pat Connaughton aside, the Milwaukee Bucks’ supporting cast should be ashamed of themselves for a pitiful Game 6 showing offensively
The Milwaukee Bucks’ supporting cast has been a hot topic of discussion throughout this series for all the wrong reasons. This group around Giannis Antetokounmpo has failed to step up again and again, which unfortunately continued last night. Pat Connaughton was the lone member of the group that actually played solid basketball as he notched 14 points on 75 percent shooting, having shown some pride off the bench as he has lately. The rest cannot be said for most.
Once again, it was yet another inefficient night for Jrue Holiday as he scored a mere 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-10 from three. With Khris Middleton still stuck on the sidelines with the MCL Sprain, the Bucks needed Holiday to shoulder more responsibility offensively, and hopefully have an efficient outing, but that was a pipe dream in this pivotal closeout opportunity. Bobby Portis had himself an ugly game as well as he scored just four points on 2-of-8 shooting, having taken some outright horrendous shots that had little shot of going in.
Despite proving to be unplayable defensively in this one, Grayson Allen continued to get minutes for Mike Budenholzer, and he certainly did not make up for it with his offense. Allen was terrible on the offensive end as he scored three points on 1-of-7 shooting, having missed all four of his shots from behind the arc. Wesley Matthews shot 2-of-6 and Brook Lopez shot 3-of-6 to round out the starting five as they were both incredibly quiet all game. Perhaps the most frustrating part of the game was watching George Hill try and contribute offensively, having missed all three of his shots while he picked up five fouls on the other end.
The Milwaukee Bucks needed someone to come along for the ride with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and everyone but Connaughton failed. Given what was at stake, the players should be ashamed.
Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo went at it in a battle of superstars as the Boston Celtics took down the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6
It has been a wild series for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum, but the pair certainly found their footing in Game 6. These two stars went at it as the Milwaukee Bucks looked to close out the series while the Boston Celtics looked to stay afloat, and the latter got the upper hand in the end, thanks to a jaw-dropping performance from Tatum.
Tatum was sensational as he dropped 46 points in Game 6, having shot 17-of-32 from the floor, including 7-of-15 from long range. No matter who was guarding him, the Bucks had no answer to combat Tatum’s onslaught offensively. His stellar 3-point shooting was what genuinely killed the Bucks, and that is something they will have to address in this upcoming Game 6. Who is guarding Tatum will also be a key point of discussion, as he was able to get his share of favorable matchups throughout this game to fuel his big night. In total, Tatum finished with a line of 46 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a blocked shot. Of course, he also got his team the win.
Although his team did not get the win, Giannis Antetokounmpo did everything in his power to try and will the Bucks to victory. He tried to match Tatum’s output by scoring 44 points on 14-of-30 field goal shooting, having carried Milwaukee’s offense for virtually the entire night. While he took some head-scratching shots on occasion, Antetokounmpo was fantastic for the most part as he consistently attacked the hoop to keep the Bucks within striking distance. In total, he finished with a herculean line of 44 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and a steal. He did all of that and the Milwaukee Bucks still lost, which is just beyond frustrating.
Following this grueling loss, the Bucks will hit the road for a do-or-die Game 7 this coming Sunday.
Be sure to catch the action at 2:30 p.m. CST.