With Jayson Tatum leading the way, Celtics complete season sweep of Bucks
Even though Jayson Tatum is often hesitant to take a rest, it sometimes proves beneficial in the long run. After sitting out Wednesday’s game, Tatum returned with renewed energy to lead the Boston Celtics to a hard-fought 111-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night at TD Garden.
Tatum delivered a stellar performance with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, playing a pivotal role in the decisive fourth quarter. The Celtics, trailing by three points late in the game, dominated the Bucks 16-6 in the closing minutes. Milwaukee went ice cold during this stretch, failing to score a field goal in the final 2:50. The win marked Boston’s sixth consecutive home victory, improving their record to 19-4.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc for much of the game—missing all 12 of their second-quarter 3-point attempts and finishing 17-for-53 from deep—the Celtics showcased resilience. Inside the arc, they were far more efficient, converting 23 of 34 attempts.
Tatum emphasized the team’s adaptability and commitment to their principles. “We’ve played a lot of games, and we’ve found different ways to win,” he said. “We’re a special team. Winning the championship last year taught us the importance of sticking to our identity, regardless of how the game looks.”
Tatum’s leadership shone brightest in the fourth quarter, where he opened with a quick 3-pointer followed by a four-point play, giving Boston an 85-82 lead. From there, the Celtics seized control, finishing strong to outlast their Eastern Conference rivals.
