The Boston Celtics have a chance to continue their six-game winning streak as they take on the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. With a record of 54-14, Boston currently holds the best record in the NBA with 14 regular-season games remaining.
Despite missing key players like Jayson Tatum (27.1 ppg), Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics extended their home winning streak to nine games with a 119-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Point guard Derrick White achieved his first NBA career triple-double during this win, scoring 22 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists.
“I’m happy for him,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He’s continued to grow as a two-way player on both sides of the ball. I don’t know how many blocks he had or steals, but the triple-double is an example of who he is as a player, but it doesn’t show how great he is on both ends of the floor.”
Kristaps Porzingis, who had been sidelined for the Boston Celtics’ previous five games due to a tight hamstring, made his return to the court on Monday and contributed 20 points and eight rebounds. Porzingis emphasized the importance of maintaining his body’s condition for the postseason, highlighting his dedication to staying in optimal shape for the playoffs.
“Definitely more cautious here,” Porzingis said. “I could have played through more stuff, 100 percent. But I understand that there will be a time and place for me to play through stuff. “Especially at this point in the season, we’re in a pretty good spot, and we know what the most important thing is, is the playoffs.
Absolutely, being healthy, fresh, and fully prepared to give our all is crucial. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence, Milwaukee (44-24) showcased their strength by making 24 3-pointers in their impressive 140-129 home victory against Phoenix on Sunday.
The Bucks equaled an NBA record by sinking 18 3-pointers in the first half of the game. Unfortunately, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who typically averages 30.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, was unable to play due to left hamstring soreness. Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers clarified that it wasn’t a serious injury but rather a precautionary measure, stating, “It’s not an injury, we’re just a little concerned. We suggested he take the night off, and we’re glad he agreed to it.”
“With Giannis out we had to space the floor and take (3-pointers) and I thought our guys did that well.”
In the victory, Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard delivered an outstanding performance with 31 points and 16 assists, making him the first player in franchise history to achieve at least 30 points and 15 assists in a single game.
Additionally, Khris Middleton made a significant impact with 22 points after returning from a 16-game absence due to a sprained ankle. Middleton played for 25 minutes and contributed seven assists as well, showcasing his versatility and importance to the Bucks’ lineup.