Celtics Hold Off Bucks After Blowing 21-Point Lead

Paul George scored 25 points and Derrick White added 24 as Boston recovered from a major second-half collapse to defeat Milwaukee. White made a late layup while drawing a foul, giving the Celtics a crucial cushion in a tense finish. Jayson Tatum sat out, while Payton Pritchard left late in the third quarter with an abrasion to his right eye and did not return.

Boston built a 62-41 halftime advantage, helped by 10 three-pointers on 17 attempts and six early Milwaukee turnovers. Mitchell Robinson collected nine rebounds in 11 first-half minutes, though he made only one of seven shots. George had 10 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists in the opening quarter.

The Bucks surged after halftime, making 14 of 19 shots in the third quarter after shooting 14 for 42 in the first half. Tyler Herro led the way with 17 points in the period and finished with 25. Milwaukee cut the margin to eight entering the fourth, then moved ahead 92-91 on a Nate Ament free throw with 6:50 remaining.

With the score tied at 97 and just over three minutes left, Neemias Queta put Boston in front with a layup. After White missed a three-pointer, Baylor Scheierman recovered the loose ball and passed to White, who scored while being fouled. Milwaukee missed two free throws on its next trip, and Boston held on for the win.