Tatum has 41, Celtics push back on Giannis, Bucks 139-118

In the last period, Jaylen Brown was on target with all of his attempts. Then he slammed into Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

On Sunday, in a game between the two best teams in the NBA, the Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 139-118 thanks to big efforts from guard Jayson Tatum and forward Jaylen Brown. Tatum scored 41 points for Boston.

By the end of the third quarter, the Celtics’ lead had grown to 20 points, 100-86, thanks to 20 points by Tatum. In the fourth quarter, Brown seized control, making a defensive contribution with a pick that knocked down Antetokounmpo, who then got up, pushed Brown in the back, and fell to the floor.

It seemed to me that my defense was quite muscular without being filthy. Brown commented on how the play appeared to be a “clean one.” Perhaps he was just a tad bit irritated. Then, for some reason, he stood up and flung an elbow at me.

Following some heated words, Antetokounmpo was assessed a technical foul and sent to the locker room. There was no other incident over the last 3:41 of play.

Brown remarked, “There’s a difference between trying to be a tough man and letting your opponent know that I’m not backing down, I’m not frightened of any challenge or any matchup whatsoever.” My intent at the time was just to convey that to him.

After sustaining a serious hand injury in Friday night’s game, Antetokounmpo was still given the green light to start on Sunday. He responded by scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Joe Mazzulla, coach of the Celtics, was asked about his team’s ability to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo. He responded, “Limiting’s ridiculous. He had 27.”