On May 2, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs continued. In today's Eastern Conference semifinals, the Celtics played the first leg of the series against the Bucks at home. In the first round of the series, the Green Army swept the Nets 4-0, and they were the only team to complete the sweep.
In the first quarter, the Green Army's star Tatum played average, and his multiple layups were stubbornly blocked by the Bucks, and he only had 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals on 0-of-4 shooting in the quarter. As the second quarter moved into the second half, Tatum began to find his hand, first hitting a layup, then hitting two consecutive three-pointers at the left 45 degrees and at the top of the arc, cutting eight points, two rebounds and one assist in a single quarter. The Celtics trailed the Bucks 48-56 in the first half.
After entering the third quarter, Tatum received a pass from Jaylen Brown and took a three-point shot across the top of the arc. In the next offensive round, Tatum used Robert Williams' cover to hit another three-point shot almost in the same position. Before the end of the quarter, Tatum caused Alphabet Brother to foul and hit two free throws steadily on the free throw line. He then caused Connaughton to foul and hit two consecutive three-pointers at the top of the arc to help the team close the gap. In this quarter, Tatum cut nine points, two rebounds and two assists, but only shot 2-of-6, and the Green Army trailed the Bucks 70-78 after the third quarter.
In the final quarter, during Tatum's break, the Greens were pulled to 15 points. Tatum returned to the field and scored back-to-back assists for Horford and Jaylen Brown to hit three-pointers. In the second half of the quarter, Tatum first caused a foul to make one of two free throws, and then grabbed the rebound in the front court to make up for the dunk, but the Green Army always trailed by double digits, and had no choice but to suffer a defeat at home.
In the end, the Celtics lost 89-101 at home to the Bucks, trailing 0-1 in the series, which was also the first time the Celtics suffered a playoff loss this season. Tatum played a total of 40 minutes today, only 6 of 18 shots, including 4 of 9 three-pointers and 5 of 8 free throws, totaling only 21 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, and Tatum was blocked 3 times in the game.
According to the schedule, the second leg of the two teams will be played on May 4, and the Celtics will continue to sit at home, and they will strive to win to avoid a 0-2 disadvantage.