BOSTON — The Boston Celtics got the gift they were wishing for this Christmas. Their once unstoppable offense, which had disappeared over the last few weeks, finally showed up again. Led by 41 points from Jayson Tatum and 29 points from Jaylen Brown, the Celtics ran away from the Bucks in the second half for a 139-118 win.
Tatum helped the Celtics seize control of the game foor good in the third quarter with a magnificent 20-point frame. He scored from all over the floor, not just in the third, but all night long. The Bucks simply had no answer for his array of jumpers and drives, which he supplemented with 10 trips to the free throw line. He finished with 41 points, seven rebounds and five assists on 14-of-22 from the field for his fifth consecutive 30-point game.
The Celtics also caught fire from downtown, something they have not been able to do for the better part of two weeks. They made eight 3s in the first quarter alone, including a heave at the buzzer by Sam Hauser, and finished 19-of-39 from behind the arc. This was the 10th time they’ve made at least 19 3s in a game this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 27 points and nine rebounds to lead the Bucks, but this was a rough outing for the two-time MVP. Much like they did in the playoffs, the Celtics made him work for every single point, holding him to 9-of-22 from the field. Even the shots he did hit were primarily jumpers.