Editorial by Graydon Fox

Prizes:

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2^nd -5^th Place: $10 Amazon gift card

Top 5 winners

1. Wendy Ferguson Benson (350 PTS)
2. Wesley Mericle (350 PTS)
3. Jeff Beritiech (350 PTS)
4. Travis Dixon (350 PTS)
5. sbpen***@hotmail.com (350 PTS)

Overview:

On Tuesday, April 24^th, the Milwaukee Bucks will be on the road to take on the Boston Celtics in game five of their Eastern Conference Playoff Series.  The series is tied (2-2).

The Crowd:  

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Celtics 104.5 – Bucks 101.2 with an over/under of 205.7.

Statistical Breakdown (2017-18 season):

Point differential: Celtics +3.6 (6^th) > Bucks -0.3 (20^th)

Points per game: Bucks 106.5 (15^th) > Celtics 104.0 (20^th)

Points allowed per game: Celtics 100.4 (3^rd) > Bucks 106.8 (16^th)

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Bucks 47.8% (3^rd) > Celtics 45.0% (21^st)

Three Point Percentage: Celtics 37.7% (2^nd) > Bucks 35.5% (21^st)

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Celtics 44.0% (2^nd) > Bucks 46.8% (21^st)

Turnovers committed per game: Bucks 13.1 (9^th) > Celtics 13.3 (12^th)

Turnovers forced per game: Bucks 14.7 (3^rd) > Celtics 13.5 (19^th)

Rebounds per game: Celtics 44.5 (7^th) > Bucks 39.8 (30^th)

Assists per game: Bucks 23.2 (14^th) > Celtics 22.5 (20^th)

Summary:

The Bucks have now evened the series at two apiece after their 104-102 home victory over the Celtics.  Everything was going right for Milwaukee offensively as they shot nearly 52% from the field largely due to 46 points in the paint.   The Bucks played stifling defense blocking 14 shots and coming up with 7 steals.  Giannis Antetokounmpo played like a superstar once again scoring 27 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.  Khris Middleton stepped up as the secondary scorer with 23 points on 8-14 shooting.  Jabari Parker scored 16 points off the bench while Thon Maker continues to be a defensive force blocking 5 shots.  This postseason the Bucks are averaging 108.3 points per game (5^th) and allowing 106.8 (9^th).

The Celtics have to be disappointed to have the series tied after winning the first two games at home.  In game five nothing went right as the Celtics were held to 41% shooting.  Boston did manage to again outrebound the Bucks 52-45 but their poor shooting was ultimately their downfall.  Jalen Brown was sensational scoring 34 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.  The Celtics other young star Jayson Tatum scored 21 points.  The Bucks bench outscored the Celtics 31-15 which was a big difference in the outcome.  This postseason the Celtics are averaging 106.8 points per game (8^th) and allowing 108.3 (11^th).

Bottom Line:

The Bucks played suffocating defense in game four but the Celtics were nearly able to overcome a 20-point deficit.  I doubt the Celtics will shoot 41% again and they certainly need to get more production from their bench.  The home team has won in every game this far in this series and I expect that trend to continue Tuesday night.

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