BOSTON — The Boston Celtics made their fewest shots in franchise history from two-point range in Game 1, leading to one of the team’s worst offensive outings of the year in the double-digit loss.
The response in Game 2 was a jarring contrast from the opening tip. Boston started off the game with a 15-3, building a double-digit lead that they would never relinquish over the final 36 minutes of the game on their way to a 109-86 victory.
After a dominant effort by the Bucks’ rim protectors in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez in Game 1, the calculus changed by Boston this time around. Multiple paint attacks and kick outs led to a Bucks team in rotation and less resistance. The Celtics erupted for 65 first half points largely behind their 3-point shooting but it was the dribble penetration that helped produce better looks this time around.
Udoka was adamant in hoping the Celtics maintain that mindset for the remainder of the series and not give too much credit to the Bucks bigs.
“We knew we could be good in the half-court,” Udoka said. “It was more so good offense and taking care of the ball. But offensively I think it was us getting downhill and attacking a little bit more. The point is they have good rim protectors and they protect the paint, but it’s not Wilt Chamberlain out there.”
The Celtics only scored 22 points in the paint in Game 2 thanks to their hot 3-point shooting but they punished the Bucks with a far better efficiency from both the inside and the midrange, shooting over 50 percent from 2-point range.
“There’s guys we can get downhill and attack and we’ve got guys that can finish,” Udoka said. “So, still missed a few dump-offs to Rob tonight, a few dump-offs to Al as well. But obviously much better getting downhill and attacking Lopez tonight.”
The Celtics will try to continue that momentum as the series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon.
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