BOSTON — Regardless of the Milwaukee Bucks’ efforts against the Boston Celtics on Monday, they could not alter the reality of what had unfolded prior to their arrival at TD Garden.
“We played two terrible games, and there’s no justification for that,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers remarked after the game. “But such things occur. I thought we performed relatively well (against the Celtics), but we were unable to maintain that level tonight. Nonetheless, I believe our players appreciate the direction we’re heading.”
For the initial two and a half quarters, the Bucks kept the score close, but the Celtics began to pull away, outscoring Milwaukee 37-26 in the third quarter. Consequently, the Bucks suffered a 119-108 loss, marking their third consecutive defeat and leaving their record at 1-3.
With their win, the Celtics underscored what was already evident before the game. Now standing at 4-0 for the season, the defending champions have established themselves as the top team in the NBA, while the Bucks must strive to reach a level where they can contend with Boston in the playoffs.
“They’ve been together for years, and that kind of experience can’t be replicated. It simply cannot,” stated Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, but also had seven turnovers during the game. “Even if you assemble the best players, it’s essential to understand how to work together, make sacrifices for each other, play the right way, know where your teammates will be, who will step up, and who’s on a roll — that’s what successful teams do.”
“Our objective is to reach that level. At the moment, we’re obviously not there, but I believe we aren’t too far off. The record doesn’t bother me; I’m focused on continuous improvement, maintaining our health, and reaching our goals.”
For the first time since the Bucks’ season opener against Philadelphia, Milwaukee exhibited a commendable level of mental focus and physical intensity in the first half. This effort should be consistent every night, but it was lacking against both the Chicago Bulls and the Brooklyn Nets; therefore, it was a welcome return to the expected baseline when the Bucks take the court. Perhaps it was reasonable to anticipate such a performance against the NBA’s elite, yet it was not assured given their previous two games.
While the Bucks displayed the effort and intensity required to compete with the Celtics early in the game, their execution did not match that of the defending champions. This inconsistency became apparent in the final three minutes of the third quarter, where a series of minor errors made by the Bucks were exploited by the Celtics, leading to a 15-point lead for Boston just a little over 90 seconds into the fourth.
The errors, while not substantial, highlighted the notable disparity in execution between the two teams at this stage of the 2024-25 season.
After a jumper from Bobby Portis and a technical free throw scored by Damian Lillard, the Bucks managed an 80-79 lead with 2:42 left in the third quarter. This would be their final lead of the night as events quickly spiraled downwards for the Bucks.
As is common, the Bucks initiated an offensive play with Portis posting up on the left block.
Even though Portis enjoyed a size advantage over Jayson Tatum, he was called for traveling — one of four turnovers he committed in just 19 minutes on the floor on Monday night — resulting in an empty possession for the Bucks.
“I felt Bobby got hurried tonight,” Rivers commented. “He got into a confrontation with someone, and, you know, he has those types of games every so often. I value his emotional play, but there are nights when that can work against him.”
At the other end of the court, the Bucks allowed a mistake that has become far too familiar this season, which Derrick White capitalized on.
This season, the Bucks rank 12th in defensive rebounding rate, securing only 72.9 percent of possible defensive boards, according to Cleaning The Glass, but it feels much worse due to their specific team dynamics.
With a defense structured around rim protection and forcing contested shots, the Bucks have not prioritized turnover creation. Historically, they ranked low in that category when they consistently maintained a top-10 defense under Mike Budenholzer; however, they were excellent at defensive rebounding, which allowed them to control possession on a nightly basis.
This year’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Greg Buckner, like
Budenholzer’s defensive strategy is not designed to generate turnovers. Consequently, the Bucks must excel in rebounding, which has not been the case this season. The statistics indicate they have performed adequately, but not at an elite level, and this issue will persist until improvements are made.
After White hit a three-pointer on the reload, the Bucks responded by going back to Portis in the post. This time, facing White, he attempted one of his hallmark shots—a turnaround jumper from the baseline—but he missed. Following this, the Bucks displayed yet another one of their defensive shortcomings.
While the Bucks effectively managed transitions by identifying matchups and guarding the nearest opponent, their defense faltered during semi-transition situations. This has been a recurring issue for the Bucks as they have struggled with attention to detail in their rotations when possessions transition from fast breaks to half-court setups. In this instance, Portis failed to position himself adequately and left too much space during the switch with Antetokounmpo, a mistake the Bucks forward acknowledged post-game.
“The most important thing is securing the defensive rebound,” Portis said regarding how they can enhance their defense. “I think we improved that aspect tonight, but the three-pointers they made—especially the extra ones—just getting out there to contest them is something we need to focus on more, I believe.”
After the lapse with White, the Bucks surrendered another offensive rebound, this time due to Antetokounmpo missing his box-out on second-year Celtics forward Jordan Walsh.
Antetokounmpo, who averages 11.8 rebounds per game, has not been flawless in this area this season, and this was a notable oversight.
the Bucks would have likely entered the final quarter in a better position had it not been for one last error.
Following the game, Rivers informed reporters that his team had been prepared for Payton Pritchard’s end-of-period tendencies, noting that Pritchard has made significant shots to conclude quarters. According to Rivers, the scouting report indicated that Pritchard typically tries to “break off right” in those scenarios. This is precisely what the Bucks allowed him to do with his sidestep three-pointer to close the third quarter.
This marked the sixth occasion this season that the Bucks permitted an opponent to score within the last 10 seconds of the first three quarters. In four games, Bucks opponents have scored 50 percent of the time during their final possession. Such late-game baskets can be devastating, and the Bucks have allowed them at an alarming rate this season.
Ultimately, due to the poor conclusion of the third quarter, the Bucks found themselves reflecting on the positives from Monday’s game, even while recognizing their disappointing start with only one victory in the first four games.
“I don’t believe in moral victories, but I felt that’s what we can achieve—at least for three quarters,” Rivers remarked. “I thought we began to tire a bit. Our bench didn’t contribute much tonight, forcing us to extend our minutes.”
The schedule does not offer any respite for the Bucks, as they conclude their road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in a home-and-home series. Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo remains optimistic about the team’s potential this season, even if that optimism is driven more by necessity than genuine belief.
“You have to be optimistic. There’s no choice,” Antetokounmpo stated. “It’s only the fourth game of the season. Even if we performed poorly, it’s still early, so optimism is crucial.”
“This is our profession, and at the end of the day, we have a talented team. I truly believe we will continue to improve, learn from our mistakes, and eventually, victories will come.”
(Photo: Paul Rutherford / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Bucks Struggle to Find Form in 119-108 Loss to Celtics, Suffer Third Consecutive Defeat
Game Overview
The Milwaukee Bucks faced a tough challenge against the Boston Celtics on a chilly night in Milwaukee, resulting in a 119-108 defeat. This loss marked the Bucks’ third consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their performance as they inch closer to the midpoint of the season.
Key Highlights of the Game
- Boston’s Dominance: The Celtics showcased their prowess with a strong offensive display, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
- Bucks’ Struggles: Despite a strong start, the Bucks struggled to maintain momentum and fell behind in the second half.
- Turnover Troubles: Milwaukee’s inability to protect the ball was a critical factor, resulting in 15 turnovers during the game.
Player Performances
Milwaukee Bucks
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 32 | 12 | 7 |
| Jrue Holiday | 22 | 4 | 6 |
| Khris Middleton | 18 | 5 | 3 |
Boston Celtics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | 34 | 9 | 5 |
| Jaylen Brown | 28 | 6 | 4 |
| Marcus Smart | 15 | 8 | 7 |
Analysis of the Bucks’ Performance
The Bucks opened the game with a solid first quarter, building an early lead thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s aggressive play. However, as the game progressed, several factors contributed to their downfall:
Defensive Lapses
The Bucks’ defense struggled to contain the Celtics’ perimeter shooting, allowing Boston to score effectively from beyond the arc. The combination of Tatum and Brown proved difficult to defend, leading to open looks and easy baskets.
Turnovers and Ball Control
Milwaukee’s 15 turnovers not only disrupted their offensive flow but also provided the Celtics with transition opportunities. The inability to control the ball has been a recurring issue for the Bucks this season, often leading to lost possessions and points.
Bench Contributions
While the starters performed admirably, the Bucks’ bench struggled to make an impact. Limited contributions from key reserves like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton hindered the team’s ability to maintain its competitive edge.
What This Means for the Bucks
The Bucks’ current three-game losing streak raises questions about their championship aspirations. To turn their season around, they must address several key areas:
Improving Defensive Schemes
- Focus on closing out on shooters to reduce open shot opportunities.
- Enhance communication among defenders to minimize breakdowns.
Minimizing Turnovers
- Implement better ball-handling drills during practice.
- Encourage players to make safer passing decisions.
Bench Production
- Explore different lineups to find more effective combinations.
- Increase the involvement of bench players to relieve pressure on starters.
Case Study: Past Comebacks
Historically, the Bucks have faced adversity throughout their seasons but have often bounced back stronger.
- 2020-2021 Season: After a string of losses, the Bucks rallied to clinch the NBA Championship. Key factors included strategic adjustments and a renewed emphasis on defensive integrity.
- 2019-2020 Season: Following a mid-season slump, the team revamped its offensive approach and went on to secure the best record in the league.
Practical Tips for Bucks’ Fans
With the Bucks struggling, fans can take a proactive approach to support the team:
- Attend Games: Your presence at games can boost team morale.
- Engage on Social Media: Share positive messages and encouragement on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates and analysis to better understand the team’s dynamics.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks’ next games will be crucial in determining their direction for the rest of the season. They must regroup and refocus as they prepare to face other formidable opponents in the coming weeks. Basketball fans will surely be watching closely to see how the Bucks respond to this challenging phase in their campaign.
