Yesterday marked a sad end to an overall disappointing Bucks season. Milwaukee was unable to fend off a hungry Celtics team that played much more intensely than they did in a do-or-die game 7.
Milwaukee’s top tier players showed up to play, but that in the end was not enough to get the Bucks a win. Khris Middleton had 32 to lead Milwaukee, which was denied its first playoff series victory since the 2000-01 season. Despite forcing a seventh game, the Bucks dropped to 0-18 in team history when trailing 0-2 in the playoffs. Eric Bledsoe scored 23 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists for Milwaukee.
The basis of Milwaukee’s problems throughout this game came down to them not making important shots, and not playing hard enough defense. The Celtics went on major point runs in the second half, and the Bucks could not match the intensity being thrown at them.
This was overall an extremely exciting series to watch. As a fan, I always love seeing teams fight to a game 7 matchup, but I would have loved to see the Bucks actually win a post season series. The Bucks haven’t won a playoff series since the ’02-’03 season when they made it all the way to the eastern conference finals.
Although the season may be over for the Bucks, there is a lot to look forward to. Milwaukee’s new arena will be completed by the start of next season and will surely usher in a new wining atmosphere into the city. 