Boston Celtics: 3 keys to a series tying win vs Milwaukee in Game 2

Round two certainly presents a different challenge than round one for the Boston Celtics.

After a Quarterfinals decimation of the Brooklyn Nets, Boston would welcome in Milwaukee for the next series.

The two teams were trending in separate directions heading into Game 1.

Robert Williams III had returned from a meniscus injury and was expected to see his minutes increase while Khris Middleton is expected to miss the second round entirely.

Even with the intangible momentum on their side, the C’s struggled to pull ahead of the Bucks for much of the contest.

The first quarter ended with defending champs ahead of the shamrocks by three. Halftime saw the Bucks’ lead grow to twelve.

Unfortunately for Boston, they were unable to gain any ground in the second half as the game ended 101-89.

The Bucks’ defensive energy and ball pressure forced the Celtics to their lowest point total of the playoffs and lowest since December 29th against the Clippers.

Part of the offensive struggles for the shamrocks stemmed from the struggles of their star duo. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were held to a combined 33 points on 10-of-31 shooting. The tandem was also seven for eighteen from long range.

The Boston Celtics were overall 18-50 from downtown, good for 36 percent. Milwaukee’s defense forced the home team to shoot more from deep. Their determination to keep Boston out of the paint forced the C’s to be rather uncomfortable with their offensive sets.

Game 2 will be a game of adjustments for first-year head coach Ime Udoka, as he looks to attain a series-tying victory.

Entering Tuesday night, Boston is the betting favorite over the deer.

The only Celtic listed on the injury report is Marcus Smart, who is questionable with a quad injury. The Bucks will once again be without George Hill and Khris Middleton.

In order for the Boston Celtics to even up the series at one apiece, they must hone in on these 3 keys: