The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics, 128-123, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.

The Bucks (37-6) were even more locked in than usual in the first half, as they compiled a jaw-dropping 76 points over the first pair of quarters. However, the Celtics (27-13) were much more competitive in the third quarter after being down 18 points at halftime, and they ultimately clawed back to get within 127-123 in the closing seconds. Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum would then fail to find the net on three-point attempts, leaving Boston's spirited comeback just short.

Kemba Walker paced the Celtics with 40 points, adding 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Smart finished with 24 points, complementing them with four boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Tatum totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Daniel Theis generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Enes Kanter led the bench with nine points.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 32-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two blocks. Khris Middleton supplied 23 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo posted 19 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Brook Lopez furnished 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and four blocks. George Hill poured in 13 points.

The Celtics head back home to face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, while the Bucks visit the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday evening.