The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 109-102. Boston laid the foundation for the win with a strong first half, but had to fight hard to protect the lead after the interval. Paul Clifton Anthony George and Derrick Richard White stepped up in the closing stages and kept the Celtics in front.
Boston controlled the first half
The Celtics got off to a fast start, taking the first quarter 28-14. Milwaukee struggled to find their offensive footing while Boston moved the ball effectively and steadily extended their advantage. The Celtics continued to assert themselves in the second quarter, winning it 34-27 to carry a 62-41 lead into halftime.
Jayson Tatum was absent for the Celtics for rest purposes, a precaution linked to his limited playing time last season. Head coach Joe Mazzulla was therefore required to organise his offense without his primary scorer, but received productive contributions from George and White early in the game.
Milwaukee fought their way back
The momentum shifted significantly after the break. The Bucks won the third quarter 38-25 and trimmed the deficit to eight points. Ryan Rollins injected energy into Milwaukee's backcourt, while Tyler Herro guided the offense with his shooting and decision-making. The Celtics lost their grip on the game and allowed their previously comfortable lead to evaporate entirely.
Milwaukee remained dangerous in the fourth quarter and edged that period 23-22. Boston, however, found the right answers at the right moments. George hit an important three-pointer late in the game, White made his mark as the ball-handler, and converted a layup off a pass from Baylor Scheierman while drawing the foul — a decisive sequence that helped seal the win.
George and White decided the closing stages
George led the way with 25 points, three rebounds and five assists. White finished with 24 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Sam Hauser chipped in with 11 points, while Luka Garza also contributed 11 points and grabbed five rebounds.
For Milwaukee, Tyler Herro recorded 25 points, five rebounds and three assists. Jaime Jaquez Jr. finished with 18 points, two rebounds and two assists. Ryan Rollins posted 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Myles Turner added 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Statistical summary
Boston controlled the rebounding battle with 54 boards and committed 12 turnovers. The Celtics connected on 16 three-pointers from 39 attempts and converted 19 of 25 free throws. Milwaukee made 19 three-pointers from 47 attempts but had a lower return at the free-throw line.
For the Bucks, this game marked the first stretch of the season without Giannis Antetokounmpo following his move to the Miami Heat. Despite the strong comeback, it was not enough. Boston protected the lead through the final possessions and won 109-102.
