But instead of trying a shot or throwing the ball away, the “Greek Freak” turned to the basket, threw the ball off the board before hitting his goal to complete the alley-oop solo. The explosive display of sports gave the Milwaukee Bucks a 94-78 lead at the end of the fourth quarter and was the highlight of the team’s 101-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in the first game of the playoff series of the top seven. When asked about the electrifying moment, the two-time MVP said it was his method of getting himself out of a traffic jam. “What did I see? I had the ball and I was saying, ‘Oh, shit. “I will stick,” Antetokunbo told the media. “I threw it on the board,” he said. “I am lucky enough that God blessed me with the ability to jump. I had a good jump to go get it again and I was able to finish the project.” It was another addition to the 27-year-old’s already impressive highlight reel, as he proved to be a threat to the Celtics all night. He finished with a triple-double – the second in his post-season career – with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer praised Antetokunbo’s solo alley-oop, saying it was “just pure talent, just pure instinct”. “He is a great player. He does things that are unique, special and up-to-date,” said Budenholzer. “This is one of those projects where you are happy to be by our side.” Jru Holliday had 25 points and 10 rebounds as champion Bucks used his natural defense to stifle the inflatable Celtics, who came out of a Brooklyn Nets sweep in the final round of the playoffs. The two Celtics stars – Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown – held just 21 and 12 points respectively, scoring a combined 10-to-31 in the game. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features and videos With the Bucks’ length and physique closing the Celtics close to the basket, Boston made 50 three-pointers, making just 18 and shooting 33.3% from the field as a team.
“Offensively, it’s not our best night. I thought we were doing well enough,” said Celtics coach Ime Udoka. “Losing a 12-point game when we shoot so badly is good for us. In a way, it’s good to get that stuff out of the way, aggressively.” The teams will face Boston again for the 2nd game on Tuesday.