bucks vs celtics playoffs history

New Era

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29-10-2024

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A Rivalry Renewed: Bucks vs. Celtics Playoffs History

The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks have a storied rivalry that has spanned decades, with their playoff matchups offering some of the most intense and memorable moments in NBA history. While the Celtics have enjoyed a historical advantage, the Bucks are slowly catching up, making this matchup one to watch as both teams chase championships.

A History of Dominance: The Celtics' Reign

The Celtics and Bucks first met in the playoffs in 1974, with the Celtics ultimately emerging victorious. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the two teams had sporadic playoff encounters, often with the Celtics holding the upper hand. The 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals saw a thrilling series between the two teams, ultimately won by the Celtics in seven games.

The Rise of Giannis: A New Chapter in the Rivalry

The arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee marked a significant shift in the power dynamic. The 2019 Eastern Conference Finals saw the Bucks, fueled by Giannis' dominance, overcome the Celtics in a tightly contested series, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974. This series was a turning point, showcasing the rise of the Bucks as a legitimate contender.

Recent Battles and a New Era of Parity

The 2020 playoffs saw a renewed intensity in the rivalry, with the Celtics taking a thrilling series victory over the Bucks in a seven-game thriller. The Bucks, however, responded in 2021 by defeating the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, avenging their previous loss. This victory propelled them to the NBA Finals, where they secured their first championship since 1971.

Looking Ahead: A Battle for Supremacy

The Celtics and Bucks have consistently met in the playoffs in recent years, showcasing a fierce rivalry. The two teams have a deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, making each matchup a high-intensity battle. With both teams possessing young stars and a hunger for championships, the rivalry shows no signs of slowing down.

Here's a closer look at the recent playoff matchups:

• 2019 Eastern Conference Finals: Bucks defeated the Celtics 4-2
• 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Celtics defeated the Bucks 4-3
• 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bucks defeated the Celtics 4-3
• 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Celtics defeated the Bucks 4-3

The rivalry has produced iconic moments, including:

• Giannis' incredible performance in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals: He averaged 28.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, leading the Bucks to victory.
• Jayson Tatum's game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals: He hit a pull-up jumper with 2.4 seconds left, securing the series win for the Celtics.
• The 2021 series where the Celtics had multiple chances to close out the Bucks but ultimately faltered: The Bucks pulled off an incredible comeback to win Game 6 and then closed out the series in Game 7.

The future of this rivalry is bright, filled with the potential for even more thrilling moments. As both teams strive for championship glory, the Bucks and Celtics are sure to continue their captivating battle for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.