Celtics Rout Bucks Without Jaylen Brown

Rookie Hugo González shines as Boston cruises to 108-81 victory over Milwaukee

Mar. 2, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 108-81 on Monday night, spoiling the return of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo from a calf injury. Payton Pritchard scored 25 points and rookie Hugo González had career highs of 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Celtics, who were missing Jaylen Brown due to illness. Antetokounmpo had 19 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes for the Bucks, who have lost three straight games by at least 23 points.

Why it matters

The Celtics' dominant win over the Bucks, even without Jaylen Brown, showcases the depth and versatility of the Boston roster. Meanwhile, the Bucks' struggles without Antetokounmpo highlight their reliance on the two-time MVP and the team's need to develop more consistent secondary scoring options.

The details

The Celtics went on a 24-5 run spanning the first and second quarters to take control of the game, and they led by as many as 22 points before taking a 57-43 lead into halftime. Milwaukee cut the deficit to 9 early in the second half, but Boston responded with 15 straight points to put the game out of reach. Derrick White also scored 18 points and had 9 assists for the Celtics.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to action on March 3, 2026 after missing time with a right calf strain.
  • The Celtics defeated the Bucks on March 3, 2026.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A Celtics guard who scored 25 points in the win.

Hugo González

A Celtics rookie who had career highs of 18 points and 16 rebounds.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' star player who returned from a calf injury and had 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Derrick White

A Celtics guard who scored 18 points and had 9 assists.

Jaylen Brown

A five-time All-Star for the Celtics who missed the game due to illness.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Celtics will host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, while the Bucks will host the Atlanta Hawks on the same night.

The takeaway

The Celtics' dominant win over the Bucks, even without one of their star players, demonstrates the team's depth and versatility. Meanwhile, the Bucks' struggles without Antetokounmpo highlight their reliance on the two-time MVP and the need to develop more consistent secondary scoring options.