Boston Defeats Milwaukee in Their First Matchup of the Season

The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116 on Wednesday night in this season's first matchup between the Eastern Conference favorites. With the Win, the Celtics move to 12-3 on the year, giving them a 2-game lead in the East through 15 games.

On a night when Jayson Tatum clearly wasn't 100 percent, Jaylen Brown stepped up and delivered a gem. JB finished Wednesday night's matchup with 26 points on 10/16 shooting, as well as a season-high 8 assists. After a rough night on Monday in Charlotte, Jaylen responded exactly like a star should, showing up big in a considerable early-season win.

Kristaps Porzingis had another solid outing with 21 points and 6 rebounds, while JT added 23 points and 11 boards despite feeling a little under the weather. Boston also got substantial bench contributions, as all 3 bench players who played scored in double-figures.

Ultimately, the win is all that matters, but there are definitely a few things the guys need to work on moving forward. As good as they were at times defensively, the Celtics have to find a way to limit the 2nd chance opportunities against bigger teams like Milwaukee. There is no reason your opponent should have 17 more shot attempts and 9 more offensive rebounds in a close game.

It's great to be 12-3, but Boston needs to start putting away teams when they get big leads. Overall, tonight was a good win against one of the best teams in the league, and it shows how good this team can be because there's still room to grow.

Boston's next game will be an in-season tournament contest on Friday afternoon against the red-hot Magic in Orlando.