Bucks return to Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001
The Milwaukee Bucks cruised past the Boston Celtics 116:91 in game five of the NBA Playoffs and booked their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001.
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After falling in game one of the Eastern Conference semi-final series to the Celtics, people began to question the Bucks’ potential in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. However, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks put the doubters to rest as they defeated the Celtics in their last three outings before thrashing them in game five on Wednesday night by an emphatic 116:91 scoreline. The Bucks marched on to a 4-1 series win and booked their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001, an 18-year wait.
Milwaukee were in complete control in game five and after taking a 13-point lead into the half-time break, they never looked back. The Celtics were on an off-night as they shot just 31.2% (29/93) from the field.
Giannis finished the game with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers in 31 minutes of play. Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe were key figures for the Bucks and finished with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Although on an off night (6/21 from the field), Kyrie Irving dropped 15 points while Jayson Tatum and Marcus Morris added 14 points each.
The Bucks will await either the Toronto Raptors or the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals with the Raptors currently leading the series 3-2.
THE MATCH
The Bucks got off to a stronger start in the first quarter, but then hit a five-minute cold streak without scoring a single point. The Celtics took advantage and went on a 12-0 run with the opening period ending 22:19 slightly in favor of the home side.
Boston began the second quarter without a point in the opening four minutes and the Bucks increased their lead to 12, which they maintained into half-time (52:49). Although Giannis only tallied six points in the first half, he contributed on the offensive end with six assists.
Tatum’s 10 points in the opening stages of the third quarter helped the Celtics cut the lead back down to single digits, but the Bucks resisted a Boston comeback. Giannis added 10 points in the third quarter helping the Bucks to a breakaway 18-point lead (80:62) heading into the final quarter.
The Celtics’ surrender was obvious as the Bucks increased their lead to as many as 27 points (116:89) with the Milwaukee marching on to a comfortable 116:91 victory in the end.
