Follow usJayson Tatum had to overcome an illness to score 23 points and 11 rebounds, carrying the Boston Celtics over the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116 on Wednesday night.
Jaylen Brown added 26 points and eight assists for Boston, as they improved their NBA’s best record to 12-3. The new addition to the team Kristaps Porzingis added 21 points and Derrick White scored 13.
The Celtics had a healthy 21-point lead in the first half and although Bucks pulled themselves back into the game, they never managed to take the lead until the final. Boston held that double-digit edge until the Bucks made a late charge in the final two minutes, slicing it to 114-111 before Tatum hit three free throws in the closing 21.2 seconds to make the win safe.
Brook Lopez led Milwaukee (10-5) with 28 points. Damian Lillard had 27 points, five rebounds and five assists. The surprise was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished the clash with just 21 points after scoring at least 40 in his last two games.
Celtics to raise championship banner on opening night against Knicks 
Kerr confirms Tatum to be on the court vs. South Sudan 
Celtics’ Hauser agrees to 4-year, 45 million dollar extension 
