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Andrew LopezESPN
MILWAUKEE Jayson TatumIt was not going to happen again.
The following night, the Boston CelticsAlthough they had the chance to control the series, they lost Game 5. But that was not the case Friday.
The following are the Milwaukee BucksTatum seemed to have an answer for every question, even though Tatum made a push in fourth quarter. Tatum scored 28 of his 46 points during the second half, including 16 at the end, and Boston prevailed 108 to 95.
Celtics guard: Marcus Smart said. “That’s all there is to it. There are moments like those. I was telling him all the game. He was. He gets paid for that. We rely on him to do that.
The best-of-7 series is tied with three games each. Game 7 will be in Boston on Sunday afternoon.
In Game 5, the Celtics had a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter. They were up six with less than two minutes remaining before the Bucks scored a victory. The Celtics held a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter on Friday night but managed to escape with a different result.
Milwaukee led by as much as four points, but once the Bucks started building momentum, thoughts of the past game began to creep into the minds of the Celtics’ bench. Ime Udoka, Boston’s coach, said that he advised his team not to get stuck in the fourth quarter like they did a week ago. Instead, they should continue their offensive play.
Udoka declared, “We had enough resolve.” We talked about what to do after that game. Although we lost an opportunity, there was still a chance to make it better. Because we played so well for three quarters, it made us feel good.
“Everyone was upset about the outcome. But we all knew how well we played throughout this series and didn’t let any things slip. There was never any doubt in our minds or regrets about that game. We put it to rest the next day, and look forward getting back to The Garden.
Tatum answered the Bucks with a midrange jumper after closing it to 85-81. Milwaukee responded with an acrobatic layup Pat ConnaughtonTatum responded with a 3-pointer. Tatum displayed his footwork and hit a onefoot fadeaway when Boston was next down.
He made another deep trey with 5:40 remaining to increase the lead to 8. Tatum made the final push with a classic three-point conversion to win the game at 2:38. Tatum stated that the collapse of Game 5 was in the minds of all Celtics down the stretch.
Tatum stated, “I think just a kind of how it sting losing that game like this.” “Everyone had a bad taste. The joy of watching film and learning from it. The eagerness. We were upbeat. We weren’t defeated. We knew that we had a chance to save our season and win. That was what we believed. We believed it. We believe in one another and it shows tonight.
Smart was an important part of the Game 5 defeat, being blocked by Jrue HolidayHoliday took the ball from him in the last 10 seconds. He stated that he immediately went to the practice area to get ready for Game 6.
Smart said, “I’ll just state tonight will be my first night of sleep after that game.” “I haven’t had any sleep yet.”
Smart began the game with 14 points and shot 4-of-6 from deep.
Smart said, “I had set the tone.” “We go as I go. I’m the heart of the team. It’s something my teammates tell me constantly. They say that to me all the time. It is contagious how much energy I bring. This is something I am aware of. That is what I try to bring to every game.
Jaylen BrownHe has been around for a lot of big games by Tatum but he knew that this one weighed a bit more.
Brown said, “It was an impressive performance.” “Our backs are also against the wall. You would love to see JT get aggressive and lead us offensively, like he did for Game 7. Jayson and the Celtics have a special game.
Smart, Brown, Tatum and Brown combined for 89 of Boston’s 108 points. Brown scored 22 points and Smart 21. The trio was responsible for 82.4%, which was second only to Dave Cowens’ postseason record. John HavlicekAccording to ESPN Stats and Information research, Jo Jo White scored 80 of 91 points April 20, 1973.
After Al HorfordThe Bucks were hurt earlier in the series so they have started to play him closer from the perimeter. This has allowed the Celtics’ perimeter players — something Milwaukee tried earlier in the series — to get going.
Udoka stated that Al had hurt them in the series early and tried to remove it but it opens up more opportunities for other guys.” “We know that we can take advantage.”
The win means that the series will return to Boston and TD Garden. Maybe homecourt will not be so advantageous. The road team won four of the six series games including the three previous ones. The series still comes down to one crucial game, which the Celtics players cannot wait to be a part.
“I expect it will be loud. It should be entertaining. It will be fun and I look forward to being a part in a great game. Brown stated, “I’m looking forward it.” “Game seven is the best basketball game.”