Celtics Rally Past Bucks After Early 14-Point Deficit

The Celtics recovered from a sluggish opening to defeat the Bucks 117-97 on November 8, extending Milwaukee’s poor start to the season. Boston improved to 8-2, while the Bucks fell to 1-9, their worst opening stretch since 1993-94.

Kyle Kuzma erupted for 14 points in the first five minutes, helping Milwaukee surge ahead 20-6. Tatum then hit four of six three-point attempts in the first quarter, trimming the gap to two. Boston took the lead early in the second when George made a three-pointer.

Milwaukee went without a point for six minutes and 29 seconds as Boston put together an 18-0 run. George scored 16 points in the second quarter, and the Celtics went into halftime ahead 58-45. They opened the third with nine straight points and maintained a lead of at least 15 for the rest of the game.

George led Boston with 27 points, and Tatum finished with 21 despite sitting out the fourth quarter. Mitchell Robinson added 12 points without missing a shot, along with seven rebounds and four steals. The Celtics made 18 of 48 attempts from three-point range. Kuzma paced Milwaukee with 27 points; Myles Turner had three points and a career-best seven assists.

Boston continues its road trip in Philadelphia on Tuesday before visiting Toronto. Milwaukee is scheduled to play at New York on Tuesday.