With the Celtics down two big men against the Bucks on Tuesday, it meant Xavier Tillman Sr. got the rare start in Milwaukee. Tillman was dealt for at the trade deadline, and he’s had his moments, including the game-winning bucket against the Grizzlies last week.
So even though Tillman hasn’t been in Boston too long, he’s already made an impression on his new teammates. C’s guard Jrue Holiday raved about the big man and his game after the C’s lost to the Bucks on Tuesday.
“I love playing with him,” Holiday said, via NBC Sports Boston. “Very smart player. Does a lot around the rim. Very unselfish. So it’s been fun playing with him.”
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There weren’t too many takeaways from the Celtics’ loss as they came out flat; the Bucks built up a 24-point lead in the first half. There was some history made in the process as the C’s didn’t shoot a single free throw the entire game. The Bucks themselves only had two free throw attempts, so it was a historic night — just in a bizarre way.
The Celtics starters were once again subbed out at the start of the fourth quarter, which has been the norm for C’s coach Joe Mazzulla. So while the starters made it an 11-point game going into the fourth quarter after a big run, the bench wasn’t quite able to make it a game from there. The Celtics dropped to 62-17, though they’ve already clinched the league’s best record. But the Bucks got a much-needed win to improve to 48-31 after a recent losing streak.
Notably, though, Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with an injury late in the third quarter. The talented star is going to get an MRI after straining his left calf as the Bucks hope it’s not a serious injury. With the NBA Playoffs so close, Antetokounmpo’s status will be crucial in the East playoff picture going forward.
“I actually didn’t see (the injury),” Holiday said. “I think he left early, so I didn’t get the chance to talk to him. I don’t know, it’s always scary when you’re by yourself and you go down. There’s no contact or anything. I’ma check on him to see if he’s alright.”
