Celtics Crush Bucks to Close Out Road Trip

Jayson Tatum falls just short of another triple-double as Boston dominates shorthanded Milwaukee

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of green, blue, and brown representing the players, court, and arena.The Celtics' decisive victory over the Bucks showcases the team's depth and balance as they gear up for a deep playoff run.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics steamrolled the Milwaukee Bucks 133-101 on Friday night, closing out their final extended road trip of the season with a dominant performance. Jayson Tatum led the way with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists, just missing his second straight triple-double. Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points, while Neemias Queta had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Celtics jumped out to a big early lead and never looked back, resting their starters in the fourth quarter.

Why it matters

The win helps the Celtics maintain their hold on the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference as they gear up for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bucks continue to struggle with injuries, playing without several key players including two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. This game highlighted the gap between the two teams as Boston looks to make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Celtics came out firing, scoring 26 points in the first six minutes and hitting 8 of their first 9 three-pointers. Queta dominated inside, becoming the first player since Anthony Davis to record double-digit points, 5+ rebounds and 3+ blocks in a first quarter. Boston led 75-55 at halftime and stretched the lead to as much as 35 points in the second half as they cruised to the win.

  • The Celtics scored 26 points in the first 6 minutes of the game.
  • Boston led 75-55 at halftime.
  • The Celtics' lead peaked at 35 points in the second half.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics star forward fell just short of his second straight triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics guard scored a game-high 26 points, including 10-of-11 from the free throw line.

Neemias Queta

The Celtics center dominated inside, recording a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to go with 4 blocks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks two-time MVP was held out of the game despite being healthy, as Milwaukee rested several key players.

Joe Mazzulla

The Celtics head coach rested his starters in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand.

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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

The takeaway

The Celtics' dominant win over the shorthanded Bucks showcased their depth and balance as they continue to position themselves for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Bucks' injury woes have them limping to the end of a lost season, highlighting the gap between the two Eastern Conference contenders.