GT: Game 3 - Milwaukee @ Boston 7:00pm CT (ESPN)

[paulpressey25]

"Call me crazy Ahmad, but I think we've got a chance to take two in Beantown......"


On a historical note, the last playoff game the Bucks won in Boston was back on May 13, 1987, when they won an elimination Game 5 to send the series back to Milwaukee for another win in game 6 (last game in Milwaukee Don Nelson ever coached). They lost that series in a heartbreaking game 7 unfortunately.

1987 Game 5 boxscore at link:
https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198705130BOS.html

Of course the 32 year period between that win and and today is primarily a result of both teams sucking for long periods and never matching up in the playoffs until last season.

Are we worried about the ghost of Red Auerbach continuing to haunt us? Sure. But remember that:

1. The Bucks won a league high 60-games to Boston's 49
2. The Bucks had a historical point differential of +8.9 to Boston's +4.5
3. The Bucks have the MVP and best player in the league.

We've never had ANY of those things during my fan lifetime. Bucks 120-104.

#GoBucks!

[LuessiT]

I'm prepared for the 'refs you suck' chants the first time Giannis gets to the line. Boston fans are insufferable...

[MickeyDavis]

[JayMKE]

**** Boston

Giannis could start flopping and get to the line 30 times a game

[MickeyDavis]

[LUKE23]

Celtics were 2nd to last in the NBA in FT/game. They are a jump-shooting team by nature and Kyrie is more of a finesse attacker than a power one. Bucks should destroy them in FTA given they have the best paint scorer in the NBA.

I expect Kyrie to come out fired up for this one, but we have a rested and focused Giannis to counter. Getting Brogdon back would be absolutely huge given his driving/shooting ability.

Either way I'd start Mirotic again. His floor spacing trumps the defensive issues.

[LuessiT]

Celtics were 2nd to last in the NBA in FT/game. They are a jump-shooting team by nature and Kyrie is more of a finesse attacker than a power one. Bucks should destroy them in FTA given they have the best paint scorer in the NBA.

I expect Kyrie to come out fired up for this one, but we have a rested and focused Giannis to counter. Getting Brogdon back would be absolutely huge given his driving/shooting ability.

Kyrie fired up would be good for the Bucks. While he's a terrific shot maker, the Celtics are worse when he hunts his own shot.

[tydett]

I would very much like the Bucks to win this game. I hope that they do. Bucks 120-Celtics 104.

[Iheartfootball]

I remember that series and I don't think I've gained much perspective since I still hate all Boston sports culture. If I can let go of that and focus on how amazing this season has been so far maybe I won't be so crushed like I was after game one.

My hope is a sweep or split in BOS (see, I'm setting higher expectations. I'm still not learning ). Go Bucks and GO MKE!

[Matches Malone]

Boston fans are confusing.

Before the series, all I heard was how Bucks fans have gotten cocky for no reason. How we were idiots. After game 1, they spent the next 48 trolling on twitter, realgm etc. and doing exactly what they said we were doing. Then after game 2, they were silent and I didn't see too much Bucks trolling either.

[vlietinho]

If we get this one, we have our homeadvantage back and put a lot of pressure on them as well to win the 4th game. Lets do this, say 120-104

[drew881]

Ainge with some angina to fire up his team.

[truly]

We really need to win one of the next two games and taking game 3 is better since it will add a ton of pressure on Boston for game 4.


120-104 Bucks win.

[BMatt07]

Apparently Bill Russell hated Boston fans so much that he decided to have his jersey retired in an empty arena, so the fans didn't get the opportunity to witness it. Lets hope our guys hate their fans just as much, and shut them up early.

Bucks win, 120-104.

[jschligs]

IMO in game 1 the Bucks played WAY below their average and Boston played well above theirs. Game 2 we played right at our average (better from deep) and Boston played right at their average (a little worse overall FG%) and we crushed them.

I think if both teams play to their average we will win no doubt.

[thomchatt3rton]

IMO in game 1 the Bucks played WAY below their average and Boston played well above theirs. Game 2 we played right at our average (better from deep) and Boston played right at their average (a little worse overall FG%) and we crushed them.

I think if both teams play to their average we will win no doubt.

I'd agree with this in general- game 1 was way more of an anomaly than game 2-- but it's tough to win on the road in the playoffs.

We won't hit 20 threes again, but the flipside is Giannis hasn't played at his best yet either...

My only concerns are: Stevens having extra time to prepare, and the possibility of Smart returning. Smart would help them more than Brogdon would us, I imagine.

[JustinCredible]

In the last 51 games that Giannis has played in non back-to-back situations:

The Bucks are 47-4.

The Celtics may need a lot more than 7 games to get 4 wins against Milwaukee.

[Dobber-16]

I remember seeing Red Auerbach choking on his cigar after the game 4 sweep at the Arena in 1983. Good times.

[Dobber-16]

Wish I can find the article that Nelly called out Ainge being a “cheap shot artist” back in 1983 in the Journal or Sentinel.

PP can you help with your skills?

[crkone]

Read on Twitter