Celtics Survive Late Rally to Extend Home Streak Against Struggling Bucks

The Boston Celtics secured their fifth consecutive home victory on Wednesday night, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 109-102 despite a late-game scare that threatened their lead. The win extends Boston's home record to 5-0 while the Bucks drop to 1-7 overall, including a 0-4 mark on the road.

Paul George led the Celtics with 25 points, including five three-pointers, while Derrick White contributed 24 points and seven assists. Tyler Herro scored 25 points for Milwaukee, with 18 of those arriving during the third quarter. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 18 points for the visitors.

Boston held a 21-point lead at halftime, but the Bucks closed the gap with a 26-12 run in the third quarter. The deficit shrank to eight points entering the fourth quarter. Ryan Rollins scored 13 points for Milwaukee, including a pair of dunks that cut the lead to two points with 8:17 remaining in the game.

The game tied at 91 after Nate Ament scored a fast-break layup following a Boston timeout error. Ament then converted a free throw to give the Bucks their first lead of the night at 92-91. The Celtics responded with a 12-5 run over the final three minutes to secure the win.

White sealed the outcome with a sequence that put Boston ahead 102-97 with 2:22 left on the clock. The Celtics shot 41% from three-point range, making 16 of 39 attempts. Baylor Scheierman provided energy off the bench with nine points and 11 rebounds.

Jayson Tatum sat out the game for rest, marking his first absence this season. Payton Pritchard missed the final quarter due to a right eye abrasion. The Celtics begin a four-game road trip Friday night in Charlotte, while the Bucks host Toronto the same evening.