Jayson Tatum scores 34 points, Celtics beat Bucks 111-105 to spoil Chris Middleton’s first game
Jayson Tatum had 34 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics held on to defeat the Bucks 111-105 on Friday night in Khris Middelton’s first game of the season for Milwaukee.
Jaylen Brown added 25 points as the Celtics made 17 3-pointers to earn their 10th win in 11 games.
Damian Lillard finished with 31 points for Milwaukee, which has lost two straight since winning a season-best seven in a row. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 30 points and 11 rebounds on his 30th birthday.
Middleton had 11 points and five assists in 23 minutes after missing the Buckeyes’ first 21 games while recovering from season-ending surgery.
Boston led 107-102 after Jrue Holiday’s floater when Brown was fouled on a 3-pointer by Middleton, who hit all three free throws.
Two free throws by Holiday put Boston ahead 109-105. Antetokounmpo then converted it, leading to a layup by Al Horford.
What is taken
Buckets: Middleton’s return marked only the 43rd time he, Antetokounmpo and Lillard have played together. How well the newly promoted Bucks can integrate Middleton could determine their chances of competing in the East.
Celtics: This was another statement win for the team that beat the Bucks in all three meetings this season.
Time is important
The back-and-forth banter between Antetokounmpo and Brown added another chapter on Friday. Early in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo leans over his shoulder on Brown as Antetokounmpo passes on his way to throw the inbounds. Brown then returned his favor on the court and was again called for a technical foul. The exchange followed a similar incident during Boston’s Nov. 10 in Milwaukee.
Key figures
The match featured 11 ties and 14 lead changes. No team leads by more than eight points.
Next
The Bucks visit Brooklyn on Sunday. The Celtics will host Memphis on Saturday.
It is reported by the Associated Press.
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Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics
National Basketball Association
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