NBA PLAYOFFS: EAST semis - #1 Milwaukee Bucks vs #4 Boston Celtics

EAST SEMIS


#1 MILWAUKEE
#4 BOSTON


SEASON SERIES: MIL (2-1)

Milwaukee won (60) games during the regular season for the first time since 1981. On Monday they won their first playoff series since 2001. The #1 seed in the East closed out the Pistons season after sweeping them (4-0) in the first round of the playoffs. Milwaukee had a series point differential of (+95); which is the best in a series sweep since the 86 Lakers accomplished this. The number one scoring offense in the NBA averaged (121.7 ppg) in a series that lacked much competition for the "Greek Freak" and company. Giannis Antetokounmpo (26.2 ppg / 13 rpg) followed his regular season MVP campaign with another dominant performance in the first round of the playoffs. Giannis closed out the Pistons with a career high (41) points as the Bucks continue their pursuit for their 2nd NBA title in franchise history. However, Greek had tons of help as one the leagues most productive benches showed how importance depth was. The Bucks had (43, 27, 38, 36) bench points in each of their first 4 playoff games. That depth provided excellent shooting games (48%, 48%, 52%, and 54%) from the field. While on the other side, their defense stifled Detroit to shooting under (40% FG and 35% 3PT) for the series.

The Boston Celtics seem to have found some consistent play from their primary players as they were battled tested but prove to the Pacers who was the better team sweeping them (4-0). Indiana led at halftime in each game but one, however; head coach Brad Stevens resilience bunch showed composure during their first round matchup. All Star Kyrie Irving (22.5 ppg / 7.8 apg) was the most consistent he has been since putting on a Celtics uniform. The former NBA champion posted (37) points in game 2 as the C's trailed by (19) en route to a 31 point 4th quarter which I believe established some hierarchy in the Celtics pecking order. That was also 2nd year player Jayson Tatum (19.3 ppg / 5.5 rpg) best game. Tatum is averaging better totals this postseason than last while also shooting (50% FG / 53% 3PT) respectively. Jaylen Brown (11 ppg / 6.8 rpg 42% - 3PT). Brown (3PT %) is up 8% from his regular season contributions. As well as the play of Gordon Hayward will be one to watch. Hayward (20p / 7-9 FG / 34 mins) went off in game 4 versus the Pacers. He averaged just (12.3 ppg) in the Indiana series however when Hayward scores (15) or more, the Celtics are (18-4) as a result. Overall as a team though, Boston is shooting less than (40% 3PT).

Being said, Milwaukee has been no better shooting around their season mark (37% 3PT), so neither team will probably focus on perimeter shooting. Boston was top 5 in assist all season, so emphasis on cuts and screens will be pivotal as well as controlling the paint. The Bucks dominated Detroit on the glass who had the leagues top rebounder (Andre Drummond) look pedestrian. Celtics veteran Al Horford who appeared in (2 of the 3) games this season posted (21p / 17r) game vs Milwaukee. These two teams met last year in the playoffs with Boston taking the series in 7 games (4-3). This season, Horford (18 ppg / 8.7 rpg 57% FG) play against the Bucks could be a big part of Boston's success. Horford played well in last year's playoff series averaging a double-double (19 ppg / 11 rpg). This season he has yet to been the same type of player. His shooting woes honor that. The battle between he and Brook Lopez should be interesting. Both big men can stretch the floor and when having the opportunity can get hot from behind the arc. Lopez is shooting around his now new career high (37% 3PT) largely due in part to his new found confidence from the perimeter. Milwaukee as a team shot the 2nd most 3's during the regular season. Both Horford and Lopez stretch the floor leaving ample opportunities for shots in the paint. Converting them will be key and difficult. Boston gets to the line less than most teams remaining in the playoffs as the Bucks continue to stay in form ranking in tops in rebounding and blocks, (8.8) per game lead the NBA playoffs.

Terry Rozier may not be "scary" anymore and "Drew" Bledsoe, I mean Eric Bledsoe heated battle will now set eyes on Irving against Bledsoe. Rozier got the best of Bledsoe a season ago, limiting him to just (13.6 ppg) and really took Bledsoe out the game mentally. Rozier role may have diminished but with Marcus Smart scheduled to be out another series, he alongside Jaylen Brown will be called upon once more. Brown and Rozier averaged (17 ppg) in their series last year. Smart (torn oblique) mental and physical toughness along with his court awareness and vocal presence will be missed, especially in a series that could get physical like this one. Seventh year pro and first time All Star Khris Middleton has been playing superb. Middleton has been solid on both ends of the floor. Last years playoff series against Boston (24.7 ppg / 62% FG / 64% 3PT) Middleton averaged as he did all he could to will the Bucks into the next round. In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the focal point on a Bucks team eying their first conference finals since that same (2000-01) season. Greek has posted (30, 30, 33) points against the C's but has shot just (38% FG). I'm sure Celtics head coach Brad Stevens will rotate fresh bodies on Greek the entire series to attempt to slow him down and keep him out the paint. He leads the NBA in unassisted dunks this season. Milwaukee uncharacteristically has a combined (51) turnovers in 3 matchups this season versus Boston. Boston ranks 4th in steals and will be looking to convert turnovers into points if they want to hang with the Bucks. Boston (99.3 ppg) during the playoffs are the worst amongst remaining teams. Brad Stevens has also had the luck of the draw in coaching battles over the last (2) seasons taking the Celtics to back to back ECF apperances. He has had the coaching advantage, except against Ty Lue (CLE) and now Mike Budenholzer (MIL). Lets not forget Bud took an Atlanta Hawks team to 60 wins and a conference finals. Boston won (2) road playoff games against Indiana but are (2-11) on the road over their last (6) playoff series including going (0-3) in Milwaukee last season.  Even with Malcolm Brogdon sidelined for Milwaukee; the additions of George Hill and Nikola Mirotic alongside Sterling Brown and Pat Connaughton has given the Bucks a (8-10) man rotation and depth for days. Kyrie struggle in their (2) losses versus Milwaukee shooting (9/27 and 7/20 FG). Irving is as clutch of a performer we have in the association however even in their sweep of Indiana, they never looked completely dominant against a Pacers team that was without undoubtedly their best player in Victor Oladipo. Kyrie may be the best clutch player on the court but give me the best player on the court, Greek. MILWAUKEE IN 7