The Celtics came out in Game 1 earlier today and unexpectedly thrashed the Bucks, 112-90, to take a 1-0 series lead and home-court advantage away from Milwaukee and MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While Kyrie Irving had a magnificent game, scoring 26 points and dishing out 11 assists, Al Horford appeared to be the consensus player of the game on social media after the final buzzer sounded, as the big man put up 20 points and 11 rebounds while simultaneously putting together a masterful defensive effort on The Greek Freak, holding Antetokounmpo to 22 points and only two assists on 33% shooting.
Some interesting story lines for Game 2 (which tips off Tuesday night in Milwaukee) and the remainder of the series include the possible return of Celtics’ guard Marcus Smart, who traveled to Milwaukee but wasn’t in uniform for today’s game. Smart is not expected to return for Game 2, but he has been practicing with team in recent days and could possibly return before the end of the series.
Bucks’ guard Malcolm Brogdon, who is recovering from a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot, could also return for this series at some point, but his return remains more unclear that that of Smart. Meanwhile, Brogdon’s primary replacement, Sterling Brown, left Game 1 with back spasms. It’s still unknown whether his status for Game 2 will be affected.
Will all that said, what do you think the final outcome of this series will be after what you saw in Game 1? Will Giannis and the 60+ win Bucks come back with a vengeance of will the surging Celtics make quick work of Milwaukee? Vote below in our poll, then head to the comment section to weigh in!
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I got Boston in 6 games!!
I think they when first 2 lose next one then when one then lose then when the last one
Love Giannis but he reminds me of a younger LeBron. Unstoppable in the regular, but didn’t have the skill set to win a championship(yet). Luckily for him he doesn’t get scrutinized as much(because he’s not American)and everybody loves him.
And because he plays in Milwaukee
yuge win to steal home court the celts have so much depth they can grind deep into a series – bux looked gassed and confused
After this game Bucks will make easy work out of the Celtics & Giannis is gonna be unstoppable… the Celts have awaken the beast!!!
Bucks in 6
You are funny, the Celtics are far deeper then the bucks and ever bucks fan knows it don’t be stupid it’s been said from day one this Celtics team was built to win a championship, Kyrie himself said they will be far better on the playoffs then reg season knowing who there facing in a series. This is the Celtics to lose and that won’t happen pal, good try.
Typical Boston fan response. Might as well just not even play the rest of the series since the Bucks have zero chance.
Hey sportsfan101 this comment aged really well man..
The Greek Fraud will be watching the second round on TV!
He’s playing in the 2nd round right now..
Bucks have only lost back to back games once all season. Bud will make the right adjustments and like cesc just said. They have awaken the beast within Giannis. I never understood the LeBron comparison since LeBron was already a beast when he entered the league while Giannis has worked endlessly since he was drafted to transform himself into the player he is today. I have the Bucks in 7 (6 if Brogdon comes back by game 3).
Celtics fans are so toxic win 1 game against the 1 seed and beat the pacers first round without most of there team healthy and acting like the are gonna sweep bucks. Chill its one game
Toxic? Says the Dodger/Laker fan LMAO!!!
Boston in 7
Brogdon’s a big loss. Can Horford keep up the D pressure on Giannis? If the Celts have a bad game, does Irving start whining again? Look, it was only a month+ ago, that the Celts had infighting on the team. Screwed up the locker room. Is it fully healed or just contained? Look for a strong rebound game for Giannis in game 2; especially on the home court. What is obvious is that there are a lot of drama subtitles to this series.
Playoffs bring teams together. Bucks need Brogdon to keep their flow.
Frankly, don’t think it matters. The Raptors trading for Gasol at the deadline put that team over the top! Don’t think it matters whether the Celts or Bucks win. Neither of ‘em are beating the Raptors. I think a Raptors/Warriors series will actually be a great series!
i dont think it was unexpected. me personally, i never gave up on boston… they were built for the playoffs
Celtics abviousky got game 1, now they have the advantage. Win your home games at the Garden from here on out. Celtics in 6
*obviously
Gotta like how Irving’s leadership looks now. Modeling Lebron works for the playoffs. KI seemed to save himself for daggers when needed, not for volume shooting or holding, and let his teammates do their thing as long as it worked.
Tatum is just overrated. Meanwhile, Horford outdueled the MVP & Brown looked sharp. Brogdon won’t return before Smart?– Boston will build their lead.
(By “modeling Lebron” I mean favoring veterans, not saving himself. The Cavs could not function consistently without usage by James or Wade.)
Celts even look good to keep Irving.
Both of your comments look really intelligent now x%sure