Thanks to the Bucks ‘ superior defense, Tatum and the Celtics get a taste of their own medicine

On Sunday at TD Garden, the Milwaukee Bucks turned the tables on Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics.
Tatum led the Celtics with 21 points, but he only made 6 of 18 shots and just 2 of 11 2-point tries.

They were forcing the Celtics to kick it out due to Lopez and Antetokounmpo’s presence in the paint. Where they hit just 18 of their 50 3-point tries (36 percent ). While several shots were open, Udoka wasn’t pleased with his team’s response to Milwaukee’s solid inside defense.

“We had to settle for some more difficult 3-point attempts. We need to move downhill and to the basket as soon as possible, “Udoka said. “… Tonight, I didn’t believe our rim reads were the greatest. We had several kick-outs and drop-offs that we could have made and other shots we missed near the basket, knowing Lopez was back there.”

The Bucks also did an excellent job on the perimeter, using a full-court press at times to get into Tatum’s airspace. Similar to how Boston did with Durant in the last series.

When asked about the secret to guarding Tatum, Bucks player Jrue Holiday responded, “I think one thing is crowding him”. “It’s not just me; it’s a collaborative effort. I believe that being able to funnel him and seeing two or three people, sometimes even four, makes it seem as though I’m doing something. However, I depend heavily on my colleagues.”

That strategy worked well against Tatum, who acknowledged throws in Game 1.

“I believe they simply hurried us up,” Tatum said. “We just have to do a better job of doing what we want and not letting them dictate our actions throughout the game.”

“I believe they simply hurried us up,” Tatum said. “We just have to do a better job of doing what we want and not letting them dictate our actions throughout the game.”

The Celtics had a harsh awakening Sunday when they faced a Bucks defense that is long. They can match Boston’s toughness after four games against one of the worst defensive teams in the playoffs.

“You have to give them credit. It truly made an impression and established the tone, “After the game, Celtics big man Al Horford stated.
The Celtics’ reaction to Milwaukee’s aggression in Game 2 on Tuesday night will be crucial to their series’ success.

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