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Jamal CollierESPN
BOSTON — The Milwaukee BucksOn Wednesday night, the champions leaned on their championship pedigree and rallied from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 110-107 against Boston. CelticsIn the Eastern Conference semifinals, they hold a lead of 3-2 in series.
In a best-of-7 series, Game 5 was tied at 2. The series has been won 82% of all time. Milwaukee rallied to win the series, outscoring Boston 33-21, 13-6 in clutch, to take control.
Bucks star Giannis AntetokounmpoWhile guard, he finished with 40 points and 11 boards. Jrue HolidayThe game was completed with 24 points, and a block-and-steal on back-toback possessions against added 24 more Marcus Smart.
Smart declared after the game, “They’re the defending champs.” “They made some championship play. Now we have to react.”
Holiday recalls talking in the huddle in a timeout about how there was still time to make a comeback, even though the Bucks trailed by double digits after the fourth. The Bucks have used their years of experience throughout the year to help them through difficult situations, such as an injured player or a loss, and now, the ebbs, flows, and excitement of a playoff series.
“We have seen 14 points.” [disappear]Holiday stated after the game that it was just like that. We know it’s playoffs, we know it’s a good offensive and defensive team. But we’ve done it ourselves.
We just have to play with that confidence. It’s inevitable that there will be more time. If we take care of business, we’ll always have the chance to succeed.
The Celtics dominated the game and appeared on their way to winning the final victory. Al HorfordThey scored six points when they hit an emphatic putback-dunk with just 2:12 left. It was their last field goal for the game.
From that point forward, the Bucks outscored Celtics 11-1.
After Horford’s dunk Antetokounmpo made a 3-pointer on his next possession, his second of the evening and only his fourth in this series. Holiday finished the night 9-for-24 from field, hitting a wide-open 3-pointer that tied the game.
Ime Udoka, Celtics coach said that they would be falling. “Guys will be upset about the result after we outplayed their team for three and a quarter quarters. We talked and showed our resolve. Now it was harder for us. It will make it more enjoyable when we bounce back. We know that we lost a great opportunity tonight.”
After Celtics star Jayson TatumAntetokounmpo made a pair on the free throw line. Smart attempted to grab the rebound while Tatum tried to do the same. The ball ended up in the hands of Bucks. Bobby PortisMilwaukee’s first lead since the third quarter was given to Corey, who scored with 11.4 seconds left.
Portis said that playoffs are all about moments. He finished with 14 points, and 15 rebounds. It’s not about how many points you score. It’s not all about how many points your score. It’s all about the moments. There are many guys in this team who can have moments.”
The Celtics had the final possession of the half court to get Tatum the ball downhill. Boston wanted that matchup. However, Smart was able to win the ball and drive toward the basket. Pat Connaughton. Holiday tried to block Smart from behind, but Smart never saw him.
Boston was denied another chance after the Bucks scored a pair free throws that extended their lead to three. Holiday took Smart’s ball at midcourt on the Celtics final possession to secure the win.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer described Jrue’s instinctive play as “just a great play by Jrue.” He is a winner. Jrue is a winner. Ask any player or coach in this league and he will tell you he is a winner.
To fuel their comeback, the Bucks shot a perfect 6-for-6 from 3 in the final quarter, tied for the most makes without a miss in the fourth quarter of a playoff game in the past 25 years, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information. Six 3-pointers were made by the Spurs against the Texans. Miami HeatThe 2014 Finals will be held in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee was on the brink for the Eastern Conference finals for a third time in four seasons with the win. The Bucks will host Game 6 Friday night.
It feels good [to win]Antetokounmpo explained that the goal is to not get too high or too low. “We were up seven, if not ten points in the previous game. We lost it.” They lost the previous game, but they were up. Keep going back and forth. You can’t get too high for this. While it is great to win, it’s also great to come home feeling good about yourself.
Andrew Lopez from ESPN contributed to this report.