By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo fired up a double-double with 36 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 117-113 victory over the understaffed Boston Celtics on Christmas Day.
The Celtics held on to a 62-47 lead at halftime, though the Greek Freak called game in the second half to pace the Bucks to a comeback and their third straight victory. Antetokounmpo cleared COVID protocols Saturday and was able to return to action after missing the Bucks’ past few games.
Celtics had 9 players in health and safety protocols; Dennis Schroder was the last player to enter the protocols on Saturday and the 13th Celtic this week. The team also lacked Josh Richardson, C.J. Miles, Justin Jackson, Sam Hauser, Grant Williams, Aaron Nesmith, Enes Freedom, and Bruno Fernando.
Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton posted 17 points apiece for the Bucks and Bobby Portis had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined 50 points for the Celtics (25 respectively), Marcus Smart followed with 19 points and Robert Williams III tapped a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Photo: Getty Images