Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Celtics

The first round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics moved to Milwaukee, with the Bucks securing a big Game 3 win.

The Milwaukee Bucks hosted the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their first round playoff series Friday night. The Bucks were in desperate need of a win as they lost both games in Boston. A loss here and they were staring at a possible series sweep. A win and things were back on an even keel. Not only did the Bucks win, they grabbed hold of the Celtics in the first quarter and did not let go.

It did not look great for the Bucks prior to the game. Starting center John Henson was unavailable for the game due to a back issue, so the Bucks had to go with Tyler Zeller. The Celtics went into the contest unchanged.

The Bucks have been notoriously slow at the beginning of games and after halftime. They averaged 41 points in the first and third quarters combined for the first two games. In the second and fourth, however, they had come alive, averaging 61 points.

In Game 3, they threw this script out the window. The Bucks scored 27 in the first quarter alone, with their incredible defense limiting the Celtics to just 12 points in the period.

On the night, Knris Middleton scored a game-high 23 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo added a quiet 19 points. The third member of the Big 3, Eric Bledsoe, came back after a shaky Game 2 to score 17 points.

However, it was the work of the bench that was the difference in this game, which is where we begin our three takeaways from the huge Game 3 win.