The Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks game was supposed to be a kaiju type of showdown, but only one team played like a monster.
They are the top two teams in the Eastern Conference coming into the game and the ones with the best odds of winning the NBA title, according to bookmakers.
However, that was not the case.
The Bucks routed the visiting Celtics right from the first quarter and finished them convincingly, 135-102.
The game was done right from the first quarter.
Although the game did not produce the heated showdown everyone expected, there was still much to read from the matchup.
1. The Bucks needed this win, and they responded.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, without calling out anyone, chastised their defense after losing two straight against low-tier teams. They also had to bleed against the Western Conference's worst team, the San Antonio Spurs.
He particularly pointed to the team's defense and sluggish start that left them chasing opponents all game long.
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Against the Celtics, they hit their stride right out of the gate on both ends of the floor. They scored 41 points in the first quarter while keeping their visitors to just 23 points.
They also limited Celtics' starting five to single-digit scoring, except for Jayson Tatum, who only had 10 points.
Giannis and Bobby Portis teamed up for the Bucks' second-quarter onslaught and never looked back.
2. The Celtics' white flag is a bummer, but it is not their fault.
Nothing is over until the fat lady sings, but the Celtics did not believe in that in this game as they waved the white flag before the start of the third quarter by benching all their starters.
The game was on TNT and televised nationally. The NBA on TNT crew even lamented the game's turnout.
TNT moves off the Celtics-Bucks blowout in the 3rd quarter.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 12, 2024
"So, this game is out of hand, obviously. 100-62... And Oklahoma City, by the way, is up 36 at the half, so we're not going there. So, we'll try the Knicks and the Mavs, and it's a 47-28 game..." - Ernie Johnson 🏀📺😂 pic.twitter.com/fXJvptd2m8
The Celtics did plan to win the game, as they had all their starters after a grueling win against the Timberwolves the night before.
But with the game out of their hand, coach Joe Mazzula thought it was useless to exhaust his main players. After all, this is just a regular game.
The NBA can do better with its schedule. Marquee matchups should not be scheduled on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Celtics will probably not get fined for benching their first five on a televised national game like the Brooklyn Nets for resting Mikal Bridgers after the first quarter.
3. Griffin should not be fired.
Bucks Twitter wanted coach Adrian Griffin's head after their listless outing against the Utah Jazz. They're saying he can't utilize Giannis and Damian Lillard's talent well, and he has no plans for defense.
Giannis, who had a hand in picking Griffin as a replacement for Mike Budenholzer, said a few days ago that it is all about commitment and mentality.
Griffin has a plan, although it can be improved. He tweaked the line-up, and the results paid off.
Marjon Beauchamp needs to be featured more, as well as Andre Jackson and AJ Green.
They will still need to trade for a defender, though, because, as mentioned, this game barely meant anything for the Celtics.
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