MY ACCOUNT
The Boston Celtics failed to take Game 1 at home despite locking up Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the Milwaukee Bucks managing a 101-89 win on Sunday.
Antetokoumpo shot nine-of-25 from the floor and coughed up five turnovers as the Celtics went at him defensively – trapping upon receiving the ball in the post, along with crowding the paint and staying physical as he drove to the basket.
Boston did not capitalise on the other end however, shooting a playoff low 33 per cent (23-of-84) from the floor in the loss.
While it was evident in the Brooklyn series, Jaylen Brown as one of the Celtics’ ball-handlers hurt the team, giving up a game-high seven turnovers as he scored 12 points off four-of-13 shooting.
The assist count was naturally low for both teams – 22 for Milwaukee, 21 for Boston – in what became a defensive stoush, setting the tone for this series.
Warriors take home court from Memphis
Later on Sunday, the Golden State Warriors dramatically took home court from the Memphis Grizzlies, claiming a 117-116 win in Game 1 on the road.
The win was all the more impressive given Draymond Green was ejected early for a Flagrant 2 foul, after he pulled Brandon Clarke down by the jersey.
It also came with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson only converting on a combined 14-of-39 from the floor, even walking into open looks down the stretch after offensive rebounds.
Notably, the Warriors almost dared Ja Morant to shoot, taking 11 three-point attempts in Game 1, which is a contrast to the 20 he attempted for the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Morant still had the final possession, but after rimming both free-throws to make it a three-point game, Thompson forced the 22-year-old into a miss as he attacked the basket.
