By Tiffany Williams –
In the third game of their five-game homestand at TD Garden on Friday night, the Boston Celtics squared off against the Milwaukee Bucks. Led by a remarkable performance of Jayson Tatum, who scored an impressive 34 points, the Celtics secured a hard-fought 111-105 victory. Tatum’s contributions extended beyond just scoring; he also recorded one offensive rebound, nine defensive rebounds, and facilitated five assists, showcasing his all-around game.
Jaylen Brown was another key player for the C’s, adding 25 points to the scoreboard. His stat line included one offensive rebound, two defensive rebounds, three assists, and a vital block that helped bolster the Celtics’ defensive efforts.
Jrue Holiday also made a significant impact, contributing 20 points along with one offensive rebound, four defensive rebounds, six assists, one steal, and another block, reflecting his skills on both ends of the court.
Additionally, veterans Al Horford and Payton Pritchard combined for 14 points, with Pritchard emphasizing his effectiveness by notching several key assists.
The Celtics displayed an impressive offensive strategy, finishing the night with shooting stats of 40-87 from the field (about 46%) and 17-53 from three-point range (approximately 32%). They were also solid at the free-throw line, successfully converting 14 out of 16 attempts.
Boston’s play style Friday night was dynamic, as evidenced by 13 fast break points and a total of 44 points scored in the paint. However, the team only managed to establish a maximum lead of eight points during the contest, showcasing the competitive nature of the matchup against the Bucks.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to continue their five-game home stretch on Saturday night when they welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to TD Garden. The last meeting between the Celtics and Grizzlies was on February 4, 2024, making this contest particularly notable for Smart as it represents his first game back at TD Garden following his former team’s recent championship title win last season.
In their previous matchup at the Garden, the Celtics triumphed over the Grizzlies with a commanding score of 131-91, which stands as the largest margin of victory over Memphis in franchise history. Before this record-setting game, Boston’s largest victory against the Grizzlies was by 33 points—a 131-98 win on January 31, 1996.
Last season, the Celtics also secured a narrow 102-100 victory during an away game against Memphis on November 19, 2023. The Celtics have been dominant against the Grizzlies, winning their last six meetings since the 2021-22 season, while Memphis’s last victory against the Celtics dates back to March 22, 2021, when they claimed a 132-126 win in overtime at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.