Giannis Antetokounmpo’s self-alley-oop in the fourth quarter was the perfect encapsulation of Game 1. Outside of Al Horford’s tough defense on Milwaukee’s star, the Bucks outperformed the Celtics in every aspect of Sunday’s game.
With Khris Middleton on the sideline, the only explanation can be the Celtics weren’t ready. Because after looking like an unstoppable force against a Nets team everyone wanted to dodge, the Celtics looked like they were out of their depth on Sunday.
Jaylen Brown couldn’t do anything on the offensive end until the game was over. Whether or not his hamstring is bothering him after the first round is unclear. If it is, that would explain his performance on Sunday. Regardless, he needs to adjust. Otherwise, the Celtics won’t have a chance in this series if he’s going to be a non-factor on that end.
Jayson Tatum shot much better than Brown, but he was underwhelming, too. He could not handle Milwaukee’s full-court press, and he wasn’t all that great against the Bucks’ in-your-face defense in the half court. In fact, when it came to that full-court pressure, all of the Celtics struggled.
Brook Lopez looked like the Defensive Player of the Year in the paint, which led to Boston forcing it from deep. Antetokounmpo targeted Robert Williams in 1-on-1 situations. Time Lord didn’t help open things up at the rim, either. The list could go on.
The Celtics didn’t have an answer on either end of the floor. The Bucks played like a team that has been here before. Both have, but now the Celtics have to figure it out against a team that knows what it takes to win it all.
If the Celtics really want to show they aren’t scared of anyone, they need to respond in a big way on Tuesday.