Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

3 keys to the Boston Celtics tying the series in Milwaukee

By Austin DeCouta

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 07: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots over Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 07, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 07: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots over Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 07, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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There may not be two teams more evenly matched in this year’s postseason than the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. After Game 1 was all Bucks, and Game 2 was all Celtics, fans of both teams were not quite sure what to expect in Game 3.

The C’s hit the road for the first time in the series as the Bucks returned home after splitting 1-1 in Boston. Both teams received a boost from players returning from injury. Marcus Smart returned from a one-game absence, while George Hill returned from a multi-week injury.

Smart was relatively inefficient on offense in his return, scoring just nine points on 1-of-8 shooting. Hill was even more ineffective as he did not score and had just one assist.

One of the notable performances in Game 3 was Jayson Tatum, and not for a good reason.

The multi-time All-Star dropped just 10 points on a porous 4-of-19 shooting from the field. JT was also 0-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. When your superstar does not show up, it can be hard to pick up a win in the postseason.

Jaylen Brown, on the other hand, was spectacular in the tie-breaking game. The former All-Star added 27 points and twelve rebounds, his first double-double in the playoffs.

Al Horford also shined for the C’s in the two-point loss. The 35-year-old big man also recorded a double-double with 22 points and 16 rebounds.

Milwaukee was guided, as usual, by Giannis Antetokounmpo who led the game with 42 points.

The back and forth first half finished with the shamrocks leading by four points, a lead that would quickly be squandered. The third quarter was all Bucks, as the deer dominated en route to a 34-17 quarter.

As they have shown time and time again, Boston will not quit. The Celtics fought their way back by outscoring Milwaukee 34-23 in the final twelve minutes of the contest.

Although the C’s now trail 2-1 in this best of seven series, they are still very much alive. To only lose by two points in a game that may have been Jayson Tatum’s worst of the season, should give green teamers some hope.

Game 4 lurks ahead as a 7:30 pm tip-off on Monday night looms.

The only man listed on Boston’s injury report is Sam Hauser who is a game-time decision with a shoulder injury.

Khris Middleton remains on the shelf for the Bucks, as he recovers from an MCL sprain.

At the time of this writing, Boston is once again underdogs, this time just by one point. 56 percent of the public bet is on the C’s to pull away with the win.

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

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