Boston Celtics: 3 keys to a prime time win against the Bucks

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball while guarded by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on December 13, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics key to Victory No. 2) Change it up on Giannis

There is just simply no way to stop Giannis on any given night. The best thing that the Boston Celtics could do on Thursday night is to make the 2x MVP less efficient.

The Greek Freak is going to score and dominate defensively without much difficulty. On Boston’s side, Ime Udoka has developed into one of the game’s best coaches and defensive masterminds.

So, how will Udoka challenge the Freak and stop him from replicating his 36 point performance on Christmas Day?

There isn’t one guy that the C’s can put on Antetokounmpo to cause him to flounder and throw him off his game. However, the Al Horford and Marcus Smart combination could go a long way towards a Celtic W.

You can’t double the superstar on every play, but Horford’s length and strength are going to have to be on full display to prevent Giannis from getting to the rim with ease.

Grant Williams and Daniel Theis will also get cracks at guarding the 2021 NBA champion. For Grant, his size puts him at a disadvantage, but his grit and speed could help him stick with Giannis laterally.

Theis just needs to not foul out in the first half.

That would be ideal.

He’s going to have a tough time protecting the rim against such an interior dominant team that he needs to just stay in the game and try to be efficient as a defender.

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