The Boston Celtics survived a listless third quarter on Tuesday night to carve out a 109-86 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their second round battle in the NBA Playoffs.
The Celtics had a smoldering start, taking a comfortable lead in the first half. The Bucks kept things more interesting during a surge in the third quarter, limiting the Celtics to just 18 points. But the Beantown Boys staved off the defending champions to even the series at 1-1.
After the game, Celtics coach Ime Udoka admitted that they wanted to play more physically, per the report of ESPN.
“We wanted to match their physicality and punch back tonight. A big message was show them who we are.”
Udoka also somehow conjured up an NBA legend when talking about how the Celtics played aggressively by constantly attacking the paint.
“It's not Wilt Chamberlain down there (in the paint). We can get downhill and attack.”
Curiously, Chamberlain isn't known for his defense, but he truly was an imposing figure. It's also worth mentioning that Chamberlain had his intense battles against the Celtics during his time with archrival Los Angeles Lakers.
The Celtics, who played without Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart due to a thigh contusion, also burned the Bucks with accurate shooting from long distance, hitting 20-of-43 attempts. So, it wasn't all just banging bodies in the paint. It was a concerted balanced attack to complete the convincing win.
Game 3 will be on Saturday.
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