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Live blog for Saturday's game between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
FINAL: BUCKS 91, CELTICS 88
Check out our game story for the recap.
END OF THIRD QUARTER: CELTICS 69, BUCKS 69
What was once a 17-point Boston lead would be cut to zero as the Bucks and Celtics would trade leads throughout the third. Milwaukee found their range in the second and continued effortlessly moving the ball around the perimeter and eventually working their way to the rim. Boston would eventually regain their composure, shutting the Bucks down on the defensive end, attacking the rim and using a quick 7-0 to regain a seven-point lead. Milwaukee wouldn't go away though, using their own 9-2 run to stay within striking distance.
END OF SECOND QUARTER: CELTICS 48, BUCKS 47
It didn't take long for the Milwaukee Bucks to get back into the game, using a 9-1 run to cut Boston's lead to eight just over three minutes into the second quarter. Instead of attempting to work the ball inside, like they did for much of the first quarter, they settled for long jumpers, only this time, making them. Boston has generally worried about the guard duo of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings, but it was Ersan Ilyasova who really sparked Milwaukee's run before the guards came alive. Ilyasova had 10 of his 11 points in the quarter, as Ellis and Jennings combined for 19 points in the half. For Boston, it was Jason Terry and Jason Terry who assisted in fighting off the Bucks, sitting at 10 and 11 points respectively at the half.
END OF FIRST QUARTER: CELTICS 27, BUCKS 11
Similar to last night against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Boston Celtics came out on fire, knocking down five of their first six shots and jumping out to a 17-0 lead early. Pick-and-roll defense and Boston's defensive intensity was at a season-high, as the Celtics forced six turnovers over the first nine minutes of the quarter. Veteran guard Jason Terry took his turn with carrying the load in terms of dishing the ball, notching four assists in the first frame. Courtney Lee seems to have finally found his rhythm as well, leading the Celtics with nine points on 4-of-5 shooting.
GAME PREVIEW
One game without star point guard Rajon Rondo proved to be no problem for the Boston Celtics, who dispatched the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at TD Garden. Doc Rivers inserted guard Courtney Lee into the lineup in Rondo's absence, but it was the entire team that handled the ball movement duties. Boston earned a blowout win at the end of the day, and while that accomplishment is respectable, it did not beat a particularly good basketball team. Milwaukee is not much better, but the two-headed backcourt of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings could be bothersome, especially without Rondo. Boston and Milwaukee have met twice already, with each team winning a game. SB Nation Boston will provide updates from Saturday's game here. Check back frequently during the game for updates. Thanks for reading!
For more Boston Celtics coverage, check out our team blog, Celtics Blog.