The Boston Celtics had themselves a little Christmas party at the TD Garden on Sunday, soundly defeating the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 139-118. Jayson Tatum led the way with another monster game, dropping a cool 41 points in a signature performance for the prospective MVP.
This was the 36th time the Boston Celtics have played during the NBA’s Christmas Day showcase. Last year the Celtics lost on the road in Milwaukee. Tonight, Boston got revenge, moving to 16-20 all time playing on the holiday.
The Celtics have floundered a bit in the month of December, so earning a big win against a tough conference rival is a welcome result. Not only was Tatum exceptional, but Boston’s role players also had themselves a nice game. Here’s what you may have missed from the Celtics Christmas day win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jayson Tatum was the clear MVP
Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo are both squarely in the mix for this season’s MVP award, but it was Tatum’s night to shine. He scored 41 points, including 20 in the third quarter alone, along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
While Tatum sizzled, the Celtics were successful in making things difficult for Antetokounmpo. Boston’s ability to switch up defensive looks throughout the game made it difficult for the Greek Freak to find a rhythm. Antetokounmpo finished with a very respectable 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, but it was far from his finest hour.
Tatum, on the other hand, was positively electric. His offensive performance was sensational, but the former Duke Blue Devil especially excelled on defense, turning in 3 steals. A massive dunk over Antetokounmpo was the star on the top of the tree for Tatum.
Both of these teams are mighty deep
It wasn’t just the MVP candidates who were putting on a show at TD Garden. The co-stars and role players had their fingertips all over this one as well.
For Boston, Jaylen Brown finished with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Brown was a major force in closing the door on the Bucks in the fourth period. The rest of the guys wearing green, meanwhile, also stepped up. Boston had 5 players score in…
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