In a tale of two quarters, the Bucks are very much alive and have come all the way back from being down 17 to only trailing by 1 at the half. The Celtics still lead, but their momentum has definitely vanished.
The 11 points the Celtics allowed in the first quarter were the least the Celtics have allowed in a quarter. In the second quarter, the 36 points scored by the Bucks were the most given up in a quarter by Boston all season. That is what you would call opposite ends of the spectrum.
The first quarter was all Boston. From tempo, offense, defense, and even in transition, the Celtics were dominating in all aspects. They started the game on a 17-0 run and went on to win the first quarter, 27-11. However, Milwaukee took control in the second quarter, outscoring Boston 36-21.
Some thoughts...
* When Jeff Green scores at least 10 points, the Celtics are 5-1. I guess you could be facetious and say that as Jeff Green goes, so go the Celtics. So far, he's leading the Celtics with 11 points. Take that for what it's worth.
* Courtney Lee is bringing the same intensity he brought yesterday. He quickly scored 9 points in the first quarter and hit his first three-pointer since Sunday. He appeared to be pumped up. Good for Courtney.
* Brandon Bass is doing a nice job on the boards, especially on the offensive end. Although he only has 2 offensive rebounds to show for it, he has constantly been down on the low block when shots are going up. He's tipped balls as well and trying to keep possessions alive. He has 6 total rebounds so far.
* Pick-and-roll defense, an area of concern during the week for coach Doc Rivers, was an issue in the second quarter. The Bucks got to the paint on rolls to the basket with the rolling player being unguarded, and they got some wide open shots from beyond the arc off of screens. The Celtics pick-and-roll defense needs to improve.
* The Celtics need to be the aggressor and recapture the energy they had in the first quarter. They need to dictate the pace and how they game is going to be played. It was inevitable that the Bucks were going to make a run and get back into the game. They've responded, now the Celtics need to hit back.
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