The Celtics had lost to the Bucks in each of the first two times they've played in the young season, but they weren't going to be beaten for a third time as the Celtics beat the Bucks 108-100 Wednesday night at TD Garden. 20 games into the season and with an 8-12 record, the Celtics lead the Atlantic division.
As a team the Celtics shot a blistering 49 percent from the field and were led by Jordan Crawford's 25 points. The other four starters also reached double figures with Jeff Green contributing 18, followed by Brandon Bass with 16, Avery Bradley with 15 and Jared Sullinger with 12. The home team led by five after one, seven at the half and never really allowed the Bucks to get back into the game.
O.J. Mayo led the Bucks with 19 points in the loss as they fell to 3-14 and 1-8 on the road with the loss.
The Celtics will return to action Friday night (7:30, CSNNE) when they host the Nuggets.
What they'll be saying: It was a fairly even game for the most part with both teams shooting just under 50 percent from the field and both teams turning the ball over 15 times. Aside from all five starters finishing in double figures, Courtney Lee had a solid game off the bench finishing with 11 points. Despite their 8-12 record if the playoffs were to start today the Celtics would be the No. 4 seed and host a first-round series.
