By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
A season-high 43 points by Giannis Antetokounmpo was not enough for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Boston Celtics on NBA Sundays. Digging their way out of a 17-point hole, the defending NBA champions secured a win, 113-107, in Fiserv Forum.
The Greek Freak went over 39 minutes on the court, shooting 18/29 from the field, including his first three-pointer of the 2024-25 Regular Season. With 13 rebounds, he shaped a ninth double-double in as many showings this season. He added five assists and two blocks. The lack of further production from the remaining players of the team coached by Doc Rivers was the reason behind the drop to 2-8.
Leading the C’s to 9-2, Jayson Tatum finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Behind 5/8 from beyond the arc, Payton Pritchard followed with 18 points. Another reserve for Joe Mazzulla, Portuguese Neemias Queta chipped in eight points, seven rebounds, and one block over 20 minutes. Latvian Kristaps Porzingis (left posterior tibialis tendon) remained sidelined.
In Little Caesars Arena, Alperen Sengun paved the way for the Houston Rockets in a narrow win, 101-99, against the Detroit Pistons. Pushing his side to 6-4, the Turkish center posted a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double plus two assists and one block over 30 minutes.
For the hosts, down to 4-7, Italian Simone Fontecchio recorded five points, four rebounds, and two assists in just under 17 minutes. Dealing with a right calf contusion, Swedish Bobi Klintman stayed on the injury list.