The Boston Celtics spent their Christmas Day in Milwaukee against the defending NBA Champions. COVID protocols were naughty this year, but on Saturday the Celtics were hoping the holiday would bring gifts more bountiful than coal. Unfortunately, the C’s squandered another big lead, seeing a twelve-point fourth-quarter advantage slip away as they fell to the Bucks 117-113.
Both Jayson Tatum (25 points, 9 rebounds) and Jaylen Brown (25 points) steadied the Celtics all evening. Strong contributions from Marcus Smart (19 points, 7 assists), Payton Pritchard (16 points on 4-8 shooting from deep) and Jabari Parker (9 points in 12 minutes) helped Boston’s offense stay hot through most of the evening.