The Boston Celtics managed to make a statement with their dominant win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1. Regardless, point guard Kyrie Irving is still proceeding with caution against forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

The Celtics were able to contain the Bucks' stars to start the series. According to ESPN's Chris Forsberg, Irving is still expecting a bounce-back game from Antetokounmpo and Middleton:

“Go out there and be ready to be attacked. We know the sense of urgency for teams that lose Game 1, especially on their home floor. … I know everybody is anticipating a big performance from Giannis and Khris, and we just gotta be ready for that.”

Irving's comments are certainly understandable. Boston handed Milwaukee its worst home loss of the season in Game 1 thanks to their efforts in containing both Antetokounmpo and Middleton. They combined to score just 38 points on 33 field goal attempts. This is a far cry from what the Bucks' All-Stars were able to achieve throughout the course of the 2018-19 NBA season.

Despite Milwaukee's struggles in Game 1, it seems Irving is making sure Boston does what it can to avoid a resurgence from them in Game 2. The Celtics were quickly able to take homecourt advantage thanks to their stellar start to the series. The Bucks know full well the only way to gain back some momentum is with a dominant win of their own before they hit the road. In order to do so, Antetokounmpo and Middleton will need to find their rhythm early and often moving forward.