The Boston Celtics had themselves a little Christmas party at the TD Garden on Sunday, soundly defeating the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 139-118. Jayson Tatum led the way with another monster game, dropping a cool 41 points in a signature performance for the prospective MVP.
This was the 36th time the Boston Celtics have played during the NBA’s Christmas Day showcase. Last year the Celtics lost on the road in Milwaukee. Tonight, Boston got revenge, moving to 16-20 all-time playing on the holiday. The Celtics have floundered a bit in the month of December, so earning a big win against a tough conference rival is a welcome result. Not only was Tatum exceptional, but Boston’s role players also had themselves a nice game.
Here’s what you may have missed from the Celtics’ Christmas day win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
PHOTOS – Bucks at Celtics: Boston unwraps Milwaukee with 139-118 blowout on Christmas Day https://t.co/T4Hhwsl7KW
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 26, 2022
Jayson Tatum was the clear MVP
Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo are both squarely in the mix for this season’s MVP award, but it was Tatum’s night to shine. He scored 41 points, including 20 in the third quarter alone, along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
While Tatum sizzled, the Celtics were successful in making things difficult for Antetokounmpo. Boston’s ability to switch up defensive looks throughout the game made it difficult for the Greek Freak to find a rhythm. Antetokounmpo finished with a very respectable 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, but it was far from his finest hour.
Tatum, on the other hand, was positively electric. His offensive performance was sensational, but the former Duke Blue Devil especially excelled on defense, turning in 3 steals. A massive dunk over Antetokounmpo was the star on the top of the tree for Tatum.
Sheesh pic.twitter.com/7KxvmkyBxM
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) December 25, 2022
Both of these teams are mighty deep
It wasn’t just the MVP candidates who were putting on a show at TD Garden. The co-stars and role players had their fingertips all over this one as well.
For Boston, Jaylen Brown finished with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Brown was a major force in closing the door on the Bucks in the fourth period. The rest of the guys wearing green, meanwhile, also stepped up. Boston had 5 players score in double figures, and as a team the Celtics shot 19-for-39 from three, with 29 assists on the night.
Milwaukee also saw strong contributions from their role players. With Bukcs All-Star Khris Middleton sidelined, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez stepped up for their club. In the end, however, it simply wasn’t enough to keep pace with Jayson Tatum and the Celtics.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps conducted his first MVP straw poll of the season, and Jayson Tatum earned the top spot among voters. https://t.co/w5IjJkorl0
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 17, 2022
This may have been a postseason preview
After today the Celtics will face the Bucks twice more during the ’22-23 regular season campaign, with a game on Valentine’s Day and a game at the end of March. At the time of this writing, the Celtics and Bucks are jockeying for position atop the eastern conference standings.
The two clubs could be on a collision course for a fourth postseason matchup in six seasons. Last year Boston defeated Milwaukee in the conference semi-finals in a thrilling seven-game series.
The budding rivalry is certainly a treat for basketball fans and something to keep an eye on as the season ripens. For now, folks around the Hub can enjoy the rest of their holiday season with visions of sugar plum fairies and dunking Tatums dancing in their head.
What moves around the margins might the Boston Celtics be eyeing ahead of the 2023 trade deadline? https://t.co/Cn4Nusllxu
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 24, 2022
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