Paul George and Jayson Tatum lead Celtics to a 117-97 victory over the Bucks

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Paul George and Jayson Tatum propelled the Boston Celtics to a commanding 117-97 victory over the struggling Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. The Celtics, who had recently defeated the Bucks 109-102 in Boston on Wednesday while resting Tatum, built a substantial lead that allowed them to sit Tatum for the final quarter.

Kuzma began the game with a 14-point first five-minute spree, giving Milwaukee an early 20-6 advantage. However, Tatum and George ignited an 18-0 run that put the Celtics back on track, taking control in the second half. Tatum finished the quarter with the final 10 points, cutting Milwaukee's deficit to 27-25. George scored the first eight points of the second period.

His 3-pointer in the opening minute of the second quarter marked the start of Boston's first lead at 28-27. George then added another layup and 3-pointer to seal the 18-0 stretch. The Celtics maintained a 58-45 halftime advantage, steadily extending their lead by at least 15 points for the remainder of the game.