Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics: Flight 1 of C is 1, 112-90

What would prove to be a perfect day for playoff basketball in Milwaukee, the result would not be what Bucks fans were hoping for, as the Boston Celtics entered the Fiserv Forum and stole the match 1 , 112-90.

This one would start exactly as you thought. An overflowing energy source, not an empty seat in the house, and a Khris Middleton 3-pointer to start the score. However, things would soon become cold for Milwaukee. Boston would inflict a lockout defense, making it extremely difficult for the Bucks to get anything in attack. In the first quarter, the Bucks shot a total of 19 out of 19, earning them a 26-17 advantage over the Celtics. Giannis would not succeed in converting a basket, counting only one point in the free throw line.

Boston would continue its race, increasing by 15 points. However, a 15-0 run of the Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the bench would bring the Bucks back into trouble. This is where we first discover the Playoff potential of the Fiserv Forum. It was ROCKING. At half-time, the Bucks took what was a double-digit deficit and split it in two points, a two-point advantage in Boston, 52-50.

All the momentum that Milwaukee had worked so hard to evoke would unfortunately disappear from the beginning of the third period. Boston was deceiving and defending Milwaukee's defense and would get any shot of mid-range that they would like, causing major frustration for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo would continue to be sealed at almost every attempt, further limiting Milwaukee's offensive opportunities.

Despite the hope that the Fiserv Forum is on a last bucks push, nothing is spreading, and the Bucks will soon be waving the white flag in it. Boston did a great job in eliminating all chances for a return to Milwaukee and finally won with a win of 112-90.

Giannis Antetokounmpo would lead the score for Milwaukee, ending his afternoon with 22 points. Khris Middleton scored 16 points and Nikola Mirotic added 13.

For the Celtics, Kyrie Irving led the way with a total of 26 points on 12 out of 21 shots. Al Horford had a strong impact with his double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Three observations

Sensational. Celtics to close Giannis.

All the talk that led to this series was how Boston would partner with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Many people thought that they would have no chance of doing so, given his total dominance of the teams and his record against them. Yesterday, Al Horford decided to commit and do it in a major way. Antetokounmpo scored only 7 out of 21, with three of his goals scored on 3 points. Every time he went to painting, he would be greeted by a wall of Celtics. It was clearly Giannis' worst performance this year and it will be interesting to see how he and the rest of the Bucks will bounce back in Match 2. Whatever it is, they will have to be creative to find the ways to open things. – Almost every time Antetokounmpo drove to the hoop head-to-head against Horford. If no answer can be found, the Bucks will be in big trouble.

Milwaukee needs a more aggressive Eric Bledsoe.

Coach Bud preached relentlessly throughout the season – when Bled is activated, the Bucks are activated. Unfortunately, Bled was not yesterday. In 25 minutes of action, he scored just six points on a lousy 1 in 5 shooting line. We all know how threatening a force can be, as we have seen many times this season. He's proud to have had a bulldog mentality many times in the past, but unfortunately Boston managed to neutralize that threat yesterday. At first, he logged on three. Apart from that, it was not what you hoped to see. I really hope he still has no doubts about last year's series against Boston, and I think he will bounce back. The Bucks will certainly benefit if he does it.

What happens if Sterling Brown is out for match 2?

It will definitely be something to watch. Sterling Brown would eventually leave yesterday's game because of spasms on the back, and if he is absent for the second game, it will be intriguing to see how Budenholzer chooses to move forward. It is quite possible that Nikola Mirotic will be inserted into the starting range, which will give the Bucks a little more length and more extensive perimeter shooting options. Mirotic himself had a solid game for the first match. This proposal has all its merit. The Bucks have come here by letting them slip, which could force Boston into a tricky position on the defensive side if they are forced to cover another shooter. In addition, by spacing the ground, it could leave enough space for Giannis to open his game and get away from these nasty confrontations against Horford. We'll know more about this once we get an update from Sterling Brown.

Bonus Bucks Bits

• You have to appreciate good basketball, and that's exactly what Al Horford did yesterday. The man does not disappoint and, unfortunately, always seems to have the Bucks number. Appearances can be deceptive and I do not know if there is another player who fills this mantra more than Horford. He looks awkward, he looks old and he still seems to guess his shot. Well, all these ideas are just optical illusions, as he stood and even more against Giannis. This will be absolutely the match to watch in game 2.
• In addition to his difficulties on the ground, Antetokounmpo would also fight against the line of free throws, because it would only have 5 points out of 10. It's so frustrating to see a player of his talent to separate a pair and, at one time given, miss both attempts out of the rim very ugly. It certainly has the ability to receive calls based on how Boston has handled it realistically, but that does not mean much if it fails to convert (or if referees do not start to call equipment).
• Pat Connaughton, of course, did not have it. During his 24 minutes, he would only have 2 points out of 10, 1 out of 7, and not much more. His performance would translate into a putrid of -21 rpm – the team's second worst behind Antetokounmpo. This will be a point to check if Budenholzer will push him or not to get out of the rotation in match 2. Let's just say that I will have no objection if he does.
• On the positive side, Nikola Mirotic and Khris Middleton both had good performances. Mirotic would finish with 13 out of 5 out of 9 shots, including 3 out of 4 on 3-point field. Middleton would go 5 out of 12 from the ground but would also connect 3 out of 4 in depth, as well as ten rebounds and six assists – a very respectable performance. If Mirotic ends up being inserted into the starting lineup and these two players stay warm, the situation could start in a very different way on Tuesday night.
• I've seen a few tweets circulating on Twitter dot com that were ransacking the crowd at Forum Fiserv. In my opinion, I thought it was fine. When there was a reason to rejoice, they did – loud. After the Bucks stormed all the way home, it was almost deafening. I am sure they will bring their game A Tuesday night for the second game.