Jayson Tatum’s MVP-level playmaking, Al Horford’s lockdown defense on Giannis, and the Celtics’ creative counters to Milwaukee’s schemes defined a commanding performance against their East rivals.
#1 – Jayson Tatum’s playmaking
The more I watch Jayson Tatum this year, the more I’m convinced he might have taken the final step in his playmaking evolution. This season, his handle is tighter than ever, and his passing has also improved. This gives him the ability to be even more patient when reading the court while handling the ball.
In the past, opponents could disrupt his offense by sending two players his way, forcing him to give up the ball. This year, that strategy doesn’t work anymore. His left hand has developed into a legitimate playmaking weapon. A player of his size, capable of skipping a pass with either hand off the live dribble and finding small openings in the defense from all angles—this is greatness.
The more I think about it, with Denver struggling to win consistently, we might be witnessing Jayson Tatum’s first MVP campaign. Exciting times ahead.
#2 – A fourth-quarter masterclass from JT
Speaking of MVP campaigns, they’re often defined by iconic moments. This fourth quarter could be one of them. During the final 12 minutes, Tatum scored 14 points, delivered three assists, and didn’t miss a single shot. A perfect ending.
The Celtics began the quarter down by four but were up by three just one minute in. What happened? Jayson Tatum, ladies and gentlemen. Two open pull-up threes, courtesy of Queta’s excellent screens. With the Bucks opting to drop the pick-and-roll coverage using Lopez, the Celtics knew it was time to press the pull-up button—and they executed.
On defense, Tatum shone as well. He slowed down Giannis on post-ups, provided nail help, and defended Damian Lillard in isolation.
As mentioned in #1, his passing and playmaking were on point, and when it mattered most, he created the initial gaps that caused the Bucks’ defense to collapse, opening up shots for his teammates.
#3 – Lillard bullied, as usual
Damian Lillard might be the Celtics’ favorite target. Time and again, they attacked him on offense and worked to pick him early on defense. In one sequence, after posting him up, the Celtics sent Jaylen Brown to hound him full-court. By the end of the possession, Lillard was on the floor, visibly worn out by Boston’s relentless effort.
Don’t think it’s easy to target Lillard—the Bucks actively try to limit switches. However, the Celtics’ coaching staff is resourceful, employing creative actions to crack defensive shells.
One example is their use of the Spain pick-and-roll. The Celtics used it to either open the rim for the roll-man, create an open three for the second screener, or, as shown here, force the switch.
#4 – Lillard hunting Queta
However, Lillard is also a great hunter. Despite his defensive struggles, he had a strong offensive game last night, using his high usage rate efficiently with minimal turnovers. One way he generated offense was by punishing the Celtics’ soft switching with Queta on the court.
This strategy has been a recurring issue for the Celtics. Queta struggles in drop coverage, so the team prefers to have him switch. While he occasionally flashes defensive brilliance on guards, the Celtics might need alternative schemes to protect him from being targeted.
One possibility is utilizing a roaming approach, with the other four players pre-switching to ensure Queta stays close to the rim.
#5 – The Bucks’ late-double defense
Speaking of defensive schemes, the Bucks tried various pick-and-roll coverages against the Celtics. One notable tactic was the late double. (No, it’s not a coffee with lot of extra milk—that would be a double latte—but I digress.)
The late double involves an initial switch on the ball handler, followed by a delayed double-team. This strategy cancels the gap the offense creates while disrupting flow by sending a second defender. It’s similar to blitz coverage but executed in two steps.
At first, the Celtics struggled to generate their usual looks against this scheme, but they eventually adapted. Once again, Tatum’s growth and excellent coaching were the keys to breaking through the Bucks’ experiments.
#6 – ATO to punish Bucks’ refusal to switch
The Celtics also showcased brilliant after-timeout (ATO) plays to exploit the Bucks’ reluctance to switch. When defenses avoid switching, they risk leaving players behind the play after being stuck on screens.
One such ATO featured multiple screens: a ram screen for Tatum by Queta, who immediately set a flare screen for Derrick White. This triggered staggered screens on the wing for Sam Hauser, allowing him to lose Portis and get an open look. Later in the game, the Celtics ran the same play again—with similar success.
#7 – Al Horford: the Giannis stopper
Over three games against the Bucks, Horford matched up with Giannis on 112 possessions, limiting him to 44 points on 45 field-goal attempts. Giannis also earned just six free throws, highlighting Horford’s ability to neutralize physical, contact-driven offense.
At 38 years old, Horford remains one of the best defenders in the NBA. Like legends Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, he uses his intelligence, length, and physicality to impact the game late in his career.
#8 – A quarter without made threes
For the first time this season, the Celtics failed to hit a three-pointer in a single quarter—the second quarter of last night’s game. They attempted 12 threes but missed them all.
What could have been a problem instead showcased the Celtics’ ability to adapt. They took 11 attempts in the paint during the quarter and drew six free throws, displaying excellent rim pressure.
Even when the threes don’t fall, Boston proves it can still find ways to generate offense.
#9 – Jrue Holiday’s “quiet” 20/5/6 game
Jrue Holiday quietly delivered one of his best games as a Celtic: 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on just 14 shots. Add in his elite defense, and it was a complete performance.
Holiday also helped create offensive opportunities, setting screens to attack mismatches and break down the Bucks’ defense. His highlight of the night? A dagger floater after faking out Khris Middleton late in the game.
#10 – Khris Middleton’s PTSD-inducing start
It’s great to see Khris Middleton back on the court—unless you’re a Celtics fan. Too many memories of Middleton being unstoppable vs. the Boston Celtics over the last decade.
His smooth offensive touch was on display early, with a four-point play and a pull-up jumper that briefly made Jrue Holiday look lost.
Fortunately for Boston, Middleton cooled off, missing his next several attempts and finishing with just 11 points. While he’s slow on defense, his offensive talent could still elevate the Bucks to an elite level.