Celtics vs. Bucks

Two Eastern Conference Division rivals — the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks are facing off on Christmas Day, a must-watch game for basketball fans. The Bucks are headlined by two-time MVP Giannis Antetekoumpo. His team is coming off of a strong championship run where they bested the Suns in a series of six to win their first championship since 1971. There’s no question that this is Antetekoumpo’s squad. “The Greek Freak” is averaging 27.6 PPG on 53% shooting this season. The Bucks are currently sitting at the fourth seed, three games behind the first. The biggest thing the Bucks have going for them is their identity—they know who they are: a scrappy defensive team that can space the floor and support their superstar. Khris Middleton is an incredible number two guy to Antetokounmpo as well. He’s averaging about 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists; great splits for a player that’s supposed to have his leader’s back. Giannis should penetrate down below and continue to establish himself as one of the most dominant forces in the paint. His ability to take over the game with his unguardable strength is one of the many reasons the Bucks went home with the championship last season. This year, they’re hoping to end the season with the same result. That starts with making a statement… like winning on Christmas Day over their biggest rival. 

The C’s have a great history of Christmas Day games. Boston has played on Christmas Day each year since the 2016 season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have developed before our own eyes, now being the faces of their franchise. Tatum is averaging 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists on 41% shooting, while Brown is averaging 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists on 46% from the field. Look for these two to make big contributions on Christmas Day. Their other key players include Robert Williams III and Al Horford. The two share time in the frontcourt, and Williams is having a solid season this year as a defensive force, averaging nearly two blocks per game and a plus-minus of +54.  

My Wish: 

In all honesty, I couldn’t care less about who walks away with the X-mas W. I simply want to watch opposing players elevating one another to their fullest potential. I want the Celtics to make it hard for Giannis to dominate, and I want to see Giannis working through the harsh defenses of Boston and try to take control. I want to see big plays from Tatum and Brown, both going back and forth with one of the league’s reigning MVPs. There’s no question about the dynamic between the two teams: a rivalry of two Eastern Conference teams that have gone back and forth for decades, and that’s all I wish for on this Christmas day. 

UPDATE: The following players have been entered into the NBA’s Health and Safety Protocols: Al Horford (Celtics), Grant Williams (Celtics), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks). Their status for the game has yet to be determined.