The Boston Celtics evened an Eastern Conference Semifinals series with the Milwaukee Bucks with a blowout, 109-86 victory Tuesday night.
Milwaukee never led in the loss as Boston jumped out to a 15-point lead in the first quarter and didn't let up. Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, who has been dealing with hamstring tightness, made nine of his 10 shots in the first half, including five three-pointers.
Jaylen Brown is putting on a CLINIC
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 4, 2022
HALF: 25 PTS (9/10 FGM) pic.twitter.com/Ikg68EVOFd
While Brown cooled off in the second half, he still led the Celtics with 30 points, the fourth 30-point playoff game of his career. Jayson Tatum led the team in the second half and finished with 29 points, eight assists, three rebounds, and three steals.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 28 points, seven assists, and nine rebounds in the loss.
The Celtics were without Marcus Smart, the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, due to a thigh injury suffered in Game 1. Boston finished the regular season with the top rated defense, allowing an NBA-best 104.5 points per game.
Game 3 in Milwaukee is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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