The series has only just begun and the Bucks are only leading 1-0, but their show of force, in the wake of Giannis Antetokounmpo, strong on all fronts with a triple-double (24 pts, 13 rebounds, 12 assists) to the key, calmed the ardor of the bubbling TD Garden, which begins to dream this season of a record 18th title.

To say that there is still a long way to go is obviously an understatement.

Especially since the performance of the Bucks was achieved in the absence of Khris Middleton, who is nursing a ligament sprain in his left knee and should not be able to return anytime soon.

But the forces involved are not lacking, like Jrue Holiday, the team's third offensive trident, who was the leader since he finished top scorer (25 pts, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 interceptions ).

Jrue Holiday finished top scorer (25 pts) for the Milwaukee Bucks in their victory (101-89) over the Boston Celtics on May 1, 2022, for the first game of the Eastern Conference semi-finals Adam Glanzman GETTY NORTH AMERICA/AFP IMAGES

The Milwaukee team not only got the better of the league's best defense, they did even better, as their deterrence was the difference as the C's were limited to 33.3% on shots, sending no less than 50 attempts behind the arc for only 18 entries.

Proof that they were not armed to approach closer.

Tatum and Brown muffled

Jayson Tatum, notably countered twice spectacularly by Giannis, paid the price for the special treatment reserved for him (21 pts at 6/18).

Ditto for Jaylen Brown, stifled (12 pts, at 4/13, 9 rebounds).

In this match with high intensity in duels, Marcus Smart (10 pts, 6 assists), voted best defender in the league this season, suffered physically.

A pinched nerve in his right shoulder, after a hold by Jevon Carter, forced him to go to the locker room for treatment before the break, and in the 3rd quarter he slightly hurt his right knee.

It is thus by taking Boston at its own game that Milwaukee won, already counting a ten-point lead at the break, which peaked at 17 in the 3rd quarter, without faltering at the end of the game.

"We had to beat them. We have to be there tonight, contain them as firmly as possible, make it as difficult for them as possible," said Antetokounmpo, very determined.

In Boston to respond, on Tuesday.

© 2022 AFP