Boston Celtics Up For Game 7 Despite Stumble

The Boston Celtics will need a Game 7 win at TD Garden to advance to Round 2 of the playoffs.

After losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 97 – 86 on Thursday night, a winner-takes-all match is now required. The winner will face the Philadelphia 76ers in Round 2.

Milwaukee made the Boston Celtics suffer for their sloppy offensive play on the night. The Bucks built a double-digit first half lead on transition baskets and kept Boston at bay for the remaining time.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing the biggest game of his NBA career so far, stepped up to keep Milwaukee in the series. He finished with 31 points and 14 rebounds.

“At the end, it was (all) about will,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was out there, I was trying to make plays, I was trying to be aggressive.”

He was supported ably by his teammates. Khris Middleton added 16 points. Malcolm Brogdon also added 16 points, including a vital 3 from the left to give Milwaukee a two-possession lead with 5:22 left.

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Jayson Tatum finished with 22 points, and Terry Rozier had 18 for the Boston Celtics. Al Horford finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

In spite of this setback, the Celtics players are motivated to take the series in front of their fans.

“TD Garden is going to be great. As a basketball player or fan, one of the places you want to enjoy and be, it’s TD Garden for a Game 7,” said Al Horford.

“I’ve been on both sides. It’s tough about [Thursday’s loss], but I’m definitely looking forward to Saturday.”

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton knows what to expect at TD Garden:

“It’s going to be crazy. It’s do or die at this point. The crowd in Boston is rowdy, just like they are here. It’s going to be a great game. There are no secrets between teams. It comes down to who has more will.”