Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Celtics

1. Thon Maker is the X-factor in this series

With John Henson out and Tyler Zeller starting, Thon Maker was always going to get minutes in this must-win game for the Milwaukee Bucks. It was going to be question of how many minutes considering he is not strong enough to match up with Aron Baynes. He had also not shown that he was capable of defending Al Horford.

Well, that all changed in Game 3. In the first quarter alone, Maker had four blocks. He would finish with five for the game, but the tone was set. Anyone who took the ball into the paint against Maker was in danger of having his shot blocked. As a result, he changed several shots, causing a backboard violation and a shot clock violation.

Maker stopped or altered at least 16 points worth of shots in the first half. Had they fallen, the halftime lead for the Bucks would have been 58-51. Instead it was 58-35 and the Celtics were effectively out of the game.

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Maker also had 14 points, five rebounds and a steal in an impressive night. Surely he has bought himself some more playing time in Game 4, even if Henson is back. This is why the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Maker last year at No. 10 in the draft; this potential just needs to be harnessed. One thing is for sure, Maker can change the course of a game.