Bucks lose to Celtics in first round of playoffs

The 2018 NBA Playoffs are not into the second round, and unfortunately that does not include The Milwaukee Bucks, who lost to the Celtics in seven games.

The series did not start out well for the Bucks, as they played horribly, especially in Game 2. Game 1 was close, with Khris Middleton hitting a game-tying 3 at the buzzer, but Boston still managed to pull out the win in OT 113-107.

“I thought the Bucks had a chance to win that game, but they failed to close it out,” senior Izak King Anaya said.

In game 2 the Bucks got demolished, losing 120-106, due to the fact that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Middleton seemed like the only ones who could put the ball in the basket. In addition, coach Joe Prunty barely played Jabari Parker at all.

Parker was upset and spoke about it in the media. “For myself, I just try to be a good teammate,” Parker said after the game to reporters. “I’m not getting what I want right now, but I think there’s a bigger picture. I think I did a better job the second game. Not to harp on the first game, but look, I’m human, right? I deserved to be out there and I earned it.”  

Junior James Laskowski thinks that Parker should’ve been in the starting lineup during this series.

“I believe Jabari should be in the starting line up. He is the 2nd best player on the Bucks  and every since he came back from his Injury he has been putting up good numbers,” he said.

After losing the first 2 games in Boston, the series moved to Milwaukee and the Bucks shined in both games, winning the first in convincing fashion 103-118.  Game 4 was lot closers, with the Bucks winning by two after Giannis tipped in a miss by Malcolm Brogdon with 5.1 seconds left in the game.

In addition to Giannis and Middleton, two other players who really stepped up in these two games were Parker and Thon Maker. Parker played about 30 minutes in each game and he scored in double figures as well, and Maker gave the Bucks a lot of energy and intensity when he was on the floor, averaging 5.2 blocks to go along with 8.5 rebounds.

In Game 5 at the TD Garden the Bucks got crushed.  Terry Rozier completely took over the game, scoring a game high 27 points. The Celtics made the Bucks look like “cupcakes,” and a lot of people thought the Bucks would lose in their next game back in Milwaukee.

However the Bucks proved doubters wrong as they played their best basketball of the series, beating Boston 105- 99. This time Parker and Giannis took over, and the duo both posted a double-double. Jabari posted 15pts  and 11 rebounds and Giannis had an amazing 33 pts and 12 rebounds. The key for the Bucks winning that game, was their fast break points. They outscored Boston 44-10 in that department.

Then the series shifted back to Boston for a “Win or Go Home “ game. The Bucks needed to focus on their defense to be successful, however they didn’t play their best and they took a heartbreaking loss 115-98. They played poorly, as their offense was not connecting and they could not put the ball in the basket.

Now moving forward the main focus is for Giannis try to persuade Parker to re-sign with the Bucks in the offseason free- agency.

Senior Aaron Xiong believes that the season wasn’t all that bad.  

“I’m glad that Jason Kidd was let go as coach.  I wasn’t too fond of him as our coach and I’m glad they are letting him go.  I’m thankful that Giannis is becoming a great all star and can lead our team.  However, I feel that we need another superstar or two to become a real contender,” he said.