Bucks Upset Celtics in Giannis’ Absence as Kuzma and Portis Shine
Without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a surprising upset against the Boston Celtics, defeating them 116-101 at the Fiserv Forum. Many sportsbooks had the Bucks listed as double-digit underdogs. However, it was Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis who stepped up, combining for an impressive 58 points, with Kuzma scoring 31 and Portis adding 27 while also grabbing 10 rebounds.
A Changing Landscape in Milwaukee
The Bucks are entering a pivotal moment in their season, with trade rumors swirling around the organization. As they look to reshape their roster, some speculate that a deal involving Giannis could be on the horizon. Myles Turner, a sought-after player, has been mentioned as a potential target. Yet, there are concerns about the difficulty of moving the remaining hefty contracts on Milwaukee’s books.
Interestingly, Kuzma and Portis, often viewed as the holders of the Bucks’ less favorable contracts, have emerged as valuable assets. Their performances raise the question of whether they could play a central role in the next chapter of the franchise. Conversely, one can’t overlook the challenges facing the Celtics, whose defensive struggles allowed these players to shine.
Shooting and Strategy
Milwaukee’s shooting was nothing short of sensational, with the team connecting on 58% of their shots from the field despite only attempting 79 shots. The Bucks executed their game plan with precision, opting for a methodical approach that kept the tempo in check. They took advantage of their scoring opportunities, racking up 50 points in the paint, which aligns with league averages.
The Celtics, on the other hand, opted for a smaller lineup, utilizing Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh at the five spot during stretches without Neemias Queta. While this strategy did not severely hinder their rebounding efforts, it underscored the need for improvement in their center rotation. Allowing 58 points to Kuzma and Portis highlights a significant gap in versatility within Boston’s current frontcourt.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to face the Brooklyn Nets on the road before returning home for a matchup against the Toronto Raptors next Thursday. As for the Celtics, they will be back at TD Garden, aiming to bounce back from this defeat after having their five-game winning streak halted. They will host the Detroit Pistons and the Miami Heat in their next two games, looking to regain momentum in the Eastern Conference.
