The Milwaukee Bucks clinched a 104-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, a game that saw an NBA record low of just two free-throw attempts throughout the entire contest. The Bucks managed to hold their ground despite losing star player Giannis Antetokounmpo to a calf injury late in the third quarter.
Giannis, the heart and soul of the Bucks, experienced discomfort in his left calf which forced him off the court. He was able to leave the locker room under his own power later, which teammate Damian Lillard noted as a positive sign. Pending further tests on his calf and Achilles tendon, the Bucks and their fans are hopeful for a quick and positive prognosis.
Patrick Beverley stepped up in Giannis’s absence, securing 20 points and 10 rebounds, which critically contributed to ending the Bucks’ recent four-game losing streak. Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis also added 15 points each, helping to solidify the win in a tight defensive match.
The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum with 22 points and Jaylen Brown who added 14 points along with 10 rebounds, experienced a historical anomaly by not attempting a single free throw, a first in NBA history. The previous record-low for combined free throw attempts stood at 11, making Tuesday’s game one for the record books.
Other Key Games:
Timberwolves Rally Past Wizards: In another corner of the league, Anthony Edwards shined brilliantly with a career-high 51 points, lifting the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 130-121 comeback victory over the Washington Wizards. This performance is tied for the fifth-most points in a game by a Timberwolves player.
Edwards’ impressive night included 30 points in the second half alone, overcoming an early 21-point deficit. Rudy Gobert also made significant contributions with 19 points and 16 rebounds. This win positions Minnesota as a strong contender for the top seed in the Western Conference, setting up a critical showdown with the Denver Nuggets.
Warriors’ Three-Point Barrage Beats Lakers: The Golden State Warriors, led by the sharpshooting trio of Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, who combined for 16 of the team’s 26 three-pointers, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 134-120.
Thompson alone scored 27 points with Curry adding 23, helping the Warriors inch closer to the playoff picture. The Lakers, missing Anthony Davis due to injury, were propelled by LeBron James’s 33 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter Golden State’s offensive onslaught.
As the Bucks anticipate the health status of Giannis, their performance without him against a top-tier team like the Celtics showcases their ability and quality. The NBA continues to see heated competition as teams jockey for playoff positioning, making every game a must-watch event. The next set of games will undoubtedly bring more excitement as the regular season winds down, with playoff implications at stake.
