The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks are engaged in a heated time in the NBA. At least, it is as heated as teams can be toward each other these days. The rivalries aren’t what they used to be, but a little more bitterness and animosity would be welcomed by fan bases. Therefore, as the Celtics cruised to a comfortable halftime lead, things began to get increasingly chippy. And some will be quick to point out who initiated what. However, that’s a secondary aspect. These two teams do not like each other. Furthermore, many expect this matchup to be a potential Eastern Conference Finals seven-game series.
But was today a precursor for what will be not in terms of quality but in terms of how chippy and aggressive both sides will look to be come the postseason toward each other?
Boston Celtics Hustle Plays
The Boston Celtics had one of their players step up. Although Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were both available, it was a bench player who provided and needed a spark at TD Garden. Again, not that the game was ever necessarily in jeopardy, but the Bucks were hanging around a little longer than they should have.
If you had to pick an MVP for a half, then Payton Pritchard would have received the nod. Richard made all the hustle plays needed. Furthermore, as the game was close, it was he who provided energy and made second-effort plays to give the Boston Celtics a comfortable cushion heading into halftime.
Boston Celtics Hustle Man Rewarded
Not everything shows up on the stat line. But Pritchard had 13 points at the half as well as five rebounds and three assists. His 19 minutes of action were impactful, and his play like this lead many to pick this Celtics side to go on a potential deep playoff run.
Again, Pritchard is a role player; he’s coming off the bench for a reason. However, nights like what he is having against the Bucks show just how deep this roster is and that they don’t have to necessarily rely on their top players tonight and night out.
Boston Celtics Chippiness
Part of what initiated this was Patrick Beverly talking trash. And many view Beverly as an instigator and someone who gets other people’s skin on purpose. However, tonight it backfired. Again, a lot of players will often be overly affected by what Beverly does.
But Pritchard used it almost as fuel, as he helped to replace a foul-written Derek White. And while the Bucks were able to trim the lead down to 13 by the half, for the most part, the Boston Celtics looked every bit as good as being considered the best team in the NBA, or at least in the East.
About the Author
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