It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the Milwaukee Bucks would be in the Eastern Conference Finals after Wednesday’s game. Why? Well, it looked like the Boston Celtics had quit on their team to end Game 4, and no one thought they could ring the bell in Game 5. We were all right. Milwaukee ended the Celtics’ disappointing season on Wednesday night. The media might focus on that originally, but they will be on board the Bucks bandwagon after the eulogy is done today on Kyrie Irving and Boston. Milwaukee did a masterful job against them and kicked their ass four straight games after a Game 1 defeat.

Player of the Game: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Bucks did not have anyone with a huge scoring night, but they all contributed in their own ways. Giannis had to deal with Aron Baynes early in this game, but that didn’t seem to bother him much. The Greek Freak scored 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had five assists in a solid Game 5 performance. He did not need the 41 point effort against Detroit when he closed out the Pistons a couple weeks ago. This was more of a team effort and definitely strong performances by multiple people.

Silver Star: Eric Bledsoe – Okay! This is the best sign of the game minus Malcolm Brogodn being back in the lineup. Eric Bledsoe had 18 points with six rebounds and two assists. It was a solid game from Bledsoe who had his fair share of struggles throughout the series against Boston. This was his best scoring output game since Game 2. When Bledsoe is cooking offensively, Milwaukee is a very good team.

Thing I liked: Malcolm Brogdon is back and looks pretty good – The President returned to the lineup on Wednesday and played 17 minutes. He made four shots including one three to have 10 points in his return. This was a perfect situation for Brogdon. Bucks playing in a game where the opposing team might not be ratcheted to a full 100 percent, therefore, it is not as taxing for Brogdon. Mike Budenholzer also got to see a variety of lineups that could work in Round 3.

Thing I didn’t like: Brook Lopez’s struggles continue – If there is one player that is not having a good playoff run, it’s Brook Lopez. He had a goose egg last night and missed all seven shots he took on Wednesday night. Lopez had one impactful game this playoffs against Detroit in Game 3, but other than that, this has not been good for him. He could be a major factor in Round 3 against either Toronto or Philadelphia though.

Highlight of the Night: Whoooos.

Bucks. In. FIVE!!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/GnnBTWTQeU

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 9, 2019

Next up: Bucks will await the winner of Toronto and Philadelphia. If the Raptors win tonight, Game 1 will be at the Fiserv Forum on Monday night at 7:30 pm. If they lose and go to a Game 7, it will be on Wednesday evening, same time and same place. I’m ready for it and prepared for what’s next.

Charlie.