Boston Edges The Bucks 117-113, Handing Them Their First Loss

Nazrul Islam via Flickr

NBA

Boston Edges The Bucks 117-113, Handing Them Their First Loss

Last night, the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks met for the first time this season. Milwaukee was red hot coming into the game after a 7-0 start. However, the Celtics found the strategy to give the Bucks their first loss. In a game that saw the Celtics break a franchise record in 3-pointers made, every player was hot from beyond the arc.

Most importantly, it was the contributions of Kyrie Irving (28 points), and Marcus Morris that led to the win. Furthermore, the defensive side of the ball deserves credit for their work. Excluding Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks struggled to hit from the field all night. This can be attributed to the work from Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and Irving.

The Celtics are Getting Good at Closing Games

For the most part, only veteran teams have success closing games. Although young, this team is very mentally strong in the clutch. The Bucks went on a huge run down the stretch and almost stole the game from the Celtics. However, the team made plays when it mattered most. There is no question that the Bucks choked away the game, but that’s not a knock on the Celtics swarming defense.

With the Celtics improving to 6-2 and knocking the Bucks off their high horse, the rest of the east has been put on notice. The Celtics are the best team in the east. They are just too deep, too well coached, and too talented. There may be a few more struggles early season, but this team really has no competition at this moment.

Player of the Game: Kyrie Irving

That afro was really bad luck. Ever since shaving his head, Irving has been on fire. Last night was no different as Irving scored 28 points while draining six threes. He was everywhere on the court, not only with his shooting but also his passing. Most importantly, his biggest impact was holding Eric Bledsoe to 13-points.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Morris

A Look Forward to the Next Game

The Celtics get their first look at the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night. This Pacers team will be on the latter half of a back-to-back. The main matchup to watch is the big men. The Pacers have plenty of skilled guys in their frontcourt who can cause problems for the Celtics. As long as Boston executes, they should leave Bankers Life Fieldhouse Arena with their seventh win of the season.

 

Photo Credit

Nazrul Islam via Flickr