BOSTON - Jayson Tatum scored 31 points, in addition to making two crucial free throws late in the game, and the Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks by a score of 122-119.
The Celtics appeared to be heading for an easy victory after three quarters. A three-pointer by Payton Pritchard in the early moments of the fourth quarter then gave Boston a 21-point lead.
Even without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was absent due to a minor leg injury, the Bucks proved they were far from an easy opponent. Doc Rivers' men dominated the fourth quarter 36-21 and came within two points of the Celtics when Bobby Portis made a shot with 32.1 seconds left in the game. Portis could have even narrowed the gap to one point with a free throw, but he missed his attempt, allowing Derrick White to grab the rebound.
The Celtics' key players were opportunistic at the free-throw line, with Jaylen Brown making both of his shots with 20.1 seconds left, and Tatum doing the same by making four free throws in the final 12 seconds of the duel. Damian Lillard made a long three-point shot with one second left, but it was too little, too late for the Bucks.
In addition to his 31 points, Tatum had eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocked shots. White and Brown scored 23 and 21 points, respectively.
On the Bucks' side, Lillard led his team with 32 points, shooting six of ten from beyond the arc. Portis recorded an impressive double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds.
The two teams had split their first two meetings this season. They will face each other for the final time on April 9th in Milwaukee.
The Raptors are no match for the Kings
Domantas Sabonis collected 13 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists on Wednesday, helping the Sacramento Kings to a 123-89 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
De'Aaron Fox added 20 points for the Kings, who have won four of their last five games. Malik Monk scored 17 points, one more than Harrison Barnes.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 18 points for the Raptors, who lost their eighth consecutive game.
Ochai Agbaji and Jordan Nwora each scored 13 points for the Raptors, who have only one win in 10 outings in March.
The Raptors committed 22 turnovers, costing them 33 points.
Immanuel Quickley was absent for personal reasons.
Toronto is missing many players at the moment, also unable to count on Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (hand), RJ Barrett (personal reasons), Chris Boucher (knee), and DJ Carton (ankle).
Sacramento concluded the second quarter with an 11-0 run, taking a 68-45 lead.
The Raptors will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
Chet Holmgren puts on a show
Chet Holmgren scored 35 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder earned their third consecutive victory on Wednesday, defeating the Utah Jazz 119-107.
A candidate for Rookie of the Year, Holmgren also tied a personal record with 14 rebounds.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points in the second half and 31 in total for the Thunder, who have the best record in the West (48-20).
The Hamilton native became the 13th player in NBA history with at least 50 games of 30 points or more in a season.
Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 25 points.
Utah was without Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, two of the team's top three scorers. They are both injured with a thigh and groin injury, respectively.
The visitors led 54-53 at halftime, but an 11-0 run by OKC brought the score to 68-61 for the home team. SGA ended the run with a three-pointer.
The Thunder started the final quarter with a slim lead, 82-80, before going on a 9-4 run, including four points from Luguentz Dort of Montreal.
Dort finished the night with nine points.