Right before the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics were getting ready to tip-off, it appeared the national media deemed Milwaukee the favorite in the series. Even though only 10 teams have won as a 7 or 8 seed, people felt good about the Bucks considering what Boston is currently dealing with injuries. Celtics had four players score 20 or more points in an overtime thriller to beat Milwaukee. This game had it all and was a classic down the stretch with Milwaukee almost stealing it. If only, Milwaukee made the adjustment to go small with five minutes left, they could have won this one in regulation. The teams go back at it on Tuesday, and you wonder where the Bucks head will be at for that one.

Best game of the season for Khris Middleton
I’m here for ‘Playoff Khris Middleton’ because he looked so good yesterday. After a frustrating season for Middleton, he had his best game of recent memory. Midds scored 35 points and made five threes. He played fantastic, patient basketball letting things come to him on a regular basis. Any time Al Horford switched to him, Middleton drove right by him for an easy bucket. There’s been a narrative built around Middleton not showing up against the better teams in the league, and he may have flushed that down the toilet. He finished with 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Worst game of the year for Eric Bledsoe
Boy, the moment was too big for the Bucks point guard. Eric Bledsoe played tight from start to finish in this game. Bledsoe looked flustered by the defense of Terry Rozier, and he could not do much on the court. Bled needs to find himself a little more in Game 2. I found encouraging that TNT color analyst and long-time basketball guy Kevin McHale basically explained that he thinks Bledsoe will bounce back in Game 2. You’d like to think that happens because if it doesn’t, Bledsoe becomes a real problem.

WHere’s Milwaukee mindset for Game 2
I could make the argument that Milwaukee is in a better position than Boston for Game 2. Here’s what they have going for them heading into this one. Bucks are playing less fatigued that Boston. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Middleton were the only two players over 40 minutes whilst Boston had four games play over 40 minutes. Bucks also figured out a starting lineup that yield amazing results down the stretch. My only concern is this young Boston team now knows they can beat Milwaukee. This was a shot of confidence for the young Celtics.

Next up
Game 2 gets rolling on Tuesday night before heading to Milwaukee. Bucks will look to avoid being down 2-0. It should be an excellent one again. Hope the good guys win this time around.

Charlie.