NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Dec 13, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks
Dec 13, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket while defended by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks – Key Matchup: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Jayson Tatum

Without a doubt, a major storyline throughout this heavyweight matchup will be the duel between the best players on each title-contending team: Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boston’s Jayson Tatum.

Antetokounmpo is not only the best player on the Bucks, but he’s surely considered to be the best player in the world right now. He’s taken the league by storm with his freaky physicality, interior dominance, and explosive abilities on both sides of the ball. Leading the Bucks to their first NBA title since 1971 last year was the ultimate proof of his inspiring greatness, yet he’s not even close to being satisfied at just 27 years old.

Giannis averaged a marvelous 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals on 55.3 percent shooting across 32.9 minutes during the regular season. After just dominating the Bulls offensively and defensively in the first round, the Celtics are going to have their hands full trying to contain the six-time All-Star. He’s been unstoppable to defend man-to-man.

On the other side, Jayson Tatum has been making himself known as a legit superstar and top-10 player in this league. His two-way impact was on full display against Brooklyn under the bright lights, and he’s done nothing but embrace the moment in the playoffs thus far.

Tatum’s averaging 29.5 points, 7.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game on 45.6 percent field goals and 41.9 percent from three-point range throughout this postseason after averaging a career-high 26.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game during the regular season. The 24-year-old has the intentions and capabilities of propelling the Celtics to a championship run.

As we approach this series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, Antetokounmpo and Tatum are primed for a star showdown on the big stage. They’ll certainly guard each other at times, and whoever has the more significant two-way impact could determine the outcome of this series.

Both these ever-growing superstars will likely make All-NBA First Team this year, following tremendous individual seasons. And now, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum will face off against one another with an Eastern Conference Finals berth on the line.