After the Boston Celtics handled the Milwaukee Bucks 112-90 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, it was Giannis and co.’s turn to respond in Game 2.
The Bucks blew out the Celtics 123-102 Monday night and evened the series at one game apiece headed to Boston for Games 3 and 4.
Boston kept it close in the first half, despite Kyrie Irving never finding his rhythm on offense. The six-time All-Star had one of his worst performances since he started wearing green, and wound up with just nine points on 4-of-18 shooting.
The Bucks absolutely dismantled Boston on both ends of the floor in the third quarter. The Celtics were outscored 39-18 in the quarter, and Milwaukee went on a 28-2 run which extended to the start of the fourth.
Giannis Antetokounmpo emphasized he needed to play with more effort and aggressiveness after dropping the first game, and he did exactly that last night.
The MVP candidate led his team with 29 points and 10 boards, including this three that warranted a Stephen Curry-like shimmy.
Giannis pulled out the shimmy 😆
(via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/tvIvdsilA8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 1, 2019
His supporting cast followed suit, as Khris Middleton piled on 28 points. Eric Bledsoe had 21, and Brook Lopez and George Hill added 10 apiece.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens waved the white flag with around five minutes left in the game, allowing Robert Williams, Guerschon Yabusele, Brad Wanamaker, and Semi Ojeleye to get some playing time.
The series will now shift to Boston, who gained the home-court advantage by splitting the first two games. Game 3 is set for Thursday, May 3 at 8 p.m. in TD Garden.
