Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics showcase they can dominate the best in Milwaukee

By Alan Nahigian

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half at Fiserv Forum on March 30, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half at Fiserv Forum on March 30, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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We’ve seen it at times with this Boston Celtics team. They lack urgency, which is why they are currently out of the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. So it’s fair to wonder about how the Celtics fare against the best teams in the East, including the Milwaukee Bucks.

So when the Celtics came into Milwaukee on Thursday night to play the Bucks, it’s clear that people wouldn’t have confidence in them. It makes sense! Why would you bet that the Celtics could beat the Bucks in Milwaukee? Considering the way they were playing before.

But the Celtics have proved us wrong multiple times this season, including Thursday night’s blowout win in Milwaukee. The Celtics have shown they can beat the best in the East, in Milwaukee, with ease.

Boston Celtics stepping up to another level against the Milwaukee Bucks

The Celtics seem to have better focus and play with more intensity when a matchup with the Bucks arises. Look at the three games this year against the Bucks as a perfect example.

The Celtics first game against the Bucks on Christmas featured a 21 point victory for the good guys. They scored 139 points and the combination of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had 70 points.

The second game featured a depleted Celtics starting lineup against the Bucks regulars. Even though the Bucks won, they had to take the Celtics bench to overtime. At this point, fans were really happy about where the team was at in terms of being a favorite in the East.

Then Thursday night, the Celtics fully healthy against the Bucks fully healthy resulted in a blowout 41 point win for the good guys. Once again, Brown and Tatum combined for 70 points. The defense held Giannis Antetokounmpo to a quiet 24 points on 11-27 shooting from the field.

So winning two out of three games against a team that has been hot since the All-star break and had a 17 game win streak at one point? I’ll take that every season.

Boston Celtics continuing this play vs. teams other than the Milwaukee Bucks

I love when the Celtics show up and actually play to the level that they are supposed to as contenders. Now it’s a concern of continuing to play at that level consistently.

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We’ve seen the downfall of the Celtics being a lack of desire to play against mediocre/below average NBA teams. With some of their ugly losses this year, it could cost them the one seed.

But they prove time and time again that they can beat the elite level playoff teams with ease. Take the Sacramento Kings on the road for example. Sure, there’s been hiccups against teams like the Cavaliers and Knicks. But the playoffs are a completely different animal!

That’s why Thursday night’s blowout win was that much more important. It sent out a statement!

dark. Next. Jayson Tatum promises C's will have pop and focus

That statement being that the Celtics can come in on the road, and beat anybody at any given time.

So once the playoffs start, we should see a completely revitalized Celtics team. A Celtics team that plays hard on defense, moves the ball around, and has a top five offense/defense in the NBA.

Get me to the playoffs already!

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