The Celtics today beat the Bucks 108-95 on the road, dragging the series into a steal-seven.
Tatum played 42 minutes and shot 17-of-32, including 7-of-15 three-pointers and 5-of-7 free throws, with 46 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Tatum scored 46 points in a life-and-death battle, second in the Celtics' all-time playoffs, tying with Pierce, behind Sam Jones' 47 points in the April 11, 1963 life-and-death game.
In addition, Tatum also became the fifth player in NBA history to cut 45+ in a single game of life and death, dragging the series into the seven-game game, the top four being Murray, James (2 times), Oxlade-Chamberlain and Leonard. It is worth mentioning that the top 4 not only dragged the series into the seven-game battle, but also eventually won the seven-time battle and won the series, and Tatum is also expected to do this.
Alphabet Brother also performed very well today, not worse than Tatum, playing 40 minutes, 14 of 30 shots, including 3 three-pointers and 2 of 15 free throws, 44 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. Unfortunately, the bucks' other players were not strong enough, adding up to only 51 points. Of course, this also has a lot to do with the absence of the second boss Middleton.
It is worth mentioning that this game is the fifth time in NBA playoff history that two teams have had players score at least 44 points at the same time, the first four times are Murray and Mitchell (2 times) of the Nuggets vs. Jazz in 2020, James and Arenas of the 2006 Cavaliers vs Wizards, and O'Neal and Iverson of the 2001 Lakers vs. 76ers.
For the Celtics, after dragging the series into a tie-seven, the balance of victory has tipped in their favor as the scramble seven will take place at their home stadium. In addition, the Celtics' record of seven games in history reached 24 wins and 9 losses, while the Bucks' record of seven games was only 3 wins and 8 losses.
If the Bucks can beat the Bucks in the big seven, eventually eliminate the Bucks and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, their hopes of winning the championship this season are also great. Similarly, if the Bucks can eliminate the Bucks in the game of seven, their hopes of defending the title this season are also great, of course, Middleton will have to come back in time.
That is to say, the Bucks and Celtics who can win the seven battles, who is likely to win the championship, the showdown between them is also the most interesting and fierce this season, both teams have played a very good performance, showing the strength to win the championship. Of course, the team that lost the seven-game battle will end this season.