Milwaukee Bucks lost handily to the Boston Celtics due to a non-existent offense, 107-79. Ryan Rollins led the visitors with 25 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Jaylen Brown heated up to the tune of 30 points and 13 boards.
The Bucks started hot, scoring the first 12 points of the game. Ryan Rollins was the standout (he would have 12 points in the first quarter alone) alongside some buckets from Kyle Kuzma. But the Celtics would claw back, starting with back-to-back threes from Derrick White. For all his scoring, Rollins was also responsible for several turnovers. And although Boston didn’t take advantage early, Milwaukee was giving them too much space from deep (in part due to going under on screens). Anfernee Simons took advantage with three threes near the end of the frame to tie things up at 26.
The Celtics nursed a small lead for most of the second quarter, finding success inside with Myles Turner on the bench. Jordan Walsh was doing major work on the offensive glass (alongside his teammates) and helped limit Rollins after his strong start. For the road team… Pete Nance drained a couple buckets? Milwaukee was nearly doubled up in the frame and Boston finished on a nine-point run featuring White for their highest lead of the game, 56-42. The Bucks shot better but didn’t get it done on the margins.
Boston came out hitting several middies, prompting a Doc Rivers timeout. Jaylen Brown continued to shoot lights out, prompting ANOTHER timeout with over nine minutes still on the clock and the Bucks down 21. Neemias Queta had some nice moments on both ends, including a monster block. The teams then traded several-minute cold spells from the field, first the Bucks (partly because they were finally getting to the line) and then the Celtics, which enabled a nine-point Bucks run to bring them within 13. They’d muddle to the end of the quarter, though. Rollins found the basket again but (rightfully) complained about his whistle to earn a technical foul. 78-61 after three.
More strong play from various Celtics to start the final quarter. A 12-2 run built up a 23-point lead. The Bucks (feat. Kuz) would make it a little more respectable, but the deficit remained lofty. Some iffy moments led to Doc finally waving the white flag with five minutes remaining.
Milwaukee Bucks not named Ryan Rollins scored a grand total of 54 points. With honorable mention to Kyle Kuzma (16 points), not enough guys put the ball in the hoop.