The Boston Celtics picked up a much-needed win with a 117-103 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks Monday night in Jaylen Brown’s return. They improved their record to 14-14 and snapped a three-game losing streak behind Jayson Tatum.
Tatum was phenomenal all night, tallying 42 points on 16-for-25 shooting from the field and 7-for-13 from deep. He also added five boards, four assists, and three steals. He hit some big shots to help keep the Celtics out in front and ultimately win the game.
Brown also put together a solid performance in his return from injury. He scored 19 points for the game and also added four rebounds and five assists. He gave Celtics fans a good scare when he left the game in the first half with a limp but luckily he returned shortly after.
The Celtics did a great job on the defensive end and never let Giannis Antetokounmpo get going. They did everything they could to get the ball out of his hands and make someone else beat them and the Bucks just didn’t have enough firepower tonight.
On the offensive side of things, the Celtics put together a very solid performance. They shot 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from three. 31 assists on 43 made baskets was exactly what Udoka wanted from his team since he took over.
That high percentage of assists and only 11 turnovers for the game means the ball is moving well and leading to good looks. It’s tough to lose in the NBA when teams find open looks and the Celtics did that great tonight.
Grant Williams was once again a bright spot for the C’s. Williams has really taken a huge step forward and has had good performances all season. He scored 17 points off the bench today and shot five-for-seven from three-point range. He is shooting 44.7 percent from three which is the seventh-best in the NBA. Williams — a player that many fans wanted to cut before the season — is now the team’s highest percentage three-point shooter on decent volume.
The Celtics will need to replicate this type of performance if they are to beat the Golden State Warriors in their next game. Stephen Curry is a nightmare to defend against but if the Celtics can slow him down and move the ball like they did tonight then they’ll have a good chance of winning.
(Photo of Jayson Tatum by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)