Boston Celtics: 5 keys to series vs. Bucks

1. Stop the Bucks in transition

The Milwaukee Bucks are not a particularly efficient offensive team, and especially in the half-court, their actions tend to get stagnant and devolve into individual players trying isolation attacks. But in transition, they thrive.

If Boston wants to slow down Milwaukee’s offense in the most direct and tangible way, it’s going to need to get out in transition defense and ensure the Bucks do not enjoy easy paths to victory. While that may seem like a no-brainer — stopping fast breaks — it’s especially important for a team facing the Bucks.

Boston has the athletes to accomplish this as well. A 6’1″ guard trying to get into a charging, 6’11” forward before he can be set is a suicide mission. But in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Semi Ojeleye the Celtics can throw varied defenders on Antetokounmpo.

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In the end the Celtics will need to slow down the pace and increase their efficiency. They have talent, they have an excellent coaching staff, and there is every reason to expect this team could make some noise this weekend.