The Boston Celtics are now at 0-2 after dropping their first game at the TD Garden this 2017-18 NBA regular season. Boston lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, 108-100.
Leading the charge for Boston was second-year forward Jaylen Brown who had 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists. It is too early to say, but Brown is starting to look like a star for the winningest franchise in the league. Kyrie Irving followed Brown in scoring with 17 points. The new starting point guard of the Celtics also contributed four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Al Horford (13) and Marcus Smart (12) scored in double-digits as well.
The only starter that failed to reach double figures was rookie Jayson Tatum, though he provided an impressive overall performance. The No. 3 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft tallied eight points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Boston. The Celtics' backup playmaker, Terry Rozier, also emerged as he added 15 points off the bench.
Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes
The main reason why the Boston Celtics lost to the Milwaukee Bucks was Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston failed to stop Antetokounmpo who dropped 37 points. The "Greek Freak" completed a double-double performance as he also grabbed 13 boards.
Antetokounmpo received ample help though, as four other Bucks reached the double-digit mark in scoring versus the Celtics.
Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon had 19 points, while Khris Middleton tallied 15. Former Cleveland Cavaliers reserve Matthew Dellavedova top-scored for the second unit of Milwaukee with 15 points too. Another bench player that had a significant contribution on offense was center Greg Monroe who chipped in 10 points.
Next games
The Boston Celtics, following one game at home, will be back on the road. On Friday, October 20, the Celtics are set to visit the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia. Similar to the Celtics, the 76ers began their campaign with a defeat after falling to the Washington Wizards Wednesday night, 120-115.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are going for a 2-0 start when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers, also on Friday. The Bucks' matchup with the Cavs is the first contest of a four-game homestand.
After the Cavaliers, the Bucks are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (October 21) and the Charlotte Hornets (October 23). The homestand will end with a rematch with the Celtics on the 26th.
