The Boston Celtics continue their undefeated streak to start the 2024-25 NBA season, going 4-0 after an impressive 119-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks who fall to 1-3. Despite 30 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo and 33 points from Damian Lillard, the Celtics were able to ride their hot shooting, 18-47 from deep, and had key performances from Jaylen Brown (30 points) and Payton Prichard (28 points on 8 threes made). Let’s provide a grade for every Celtics player after their impressive performance tonight.
Jaylen Brown: A
Stats: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers, 10-19 FG, 0-4 3-PT FG, 38 mins
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics’ offense with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on efficient shooting (10-of-19 FG). Although he struggled from three (0-of-4), his aggressive drives and mid-range shots were vital in setting the pace. Brown’s ability to score in key moments helped the Celtics pull away from the Bucks and he was the hot hand tonight to make up for Jayson Tatum’s off-night shooting the ball.
Payton Pritchard: A
Stats: 28 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 10-14 FG, 8-12 3-PT FG, 28 mins
Payton Pritchard delivered an outstanding performance off the bench, scoring 28 points and sinking 8 threes on 12 attempts. His hot hand from deep was pivotal in stretching the Bucks’ defense and provided the spark the Celtics needed to maintain control. Pritchard’s efficiency (10-of-14 FG) and energy made him a standout contributor, and he deserves the same grade as Jaylen Brown after some big buckets at the end of the third quarter.
Jrue Holiday: B+
Stats: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 7-12 FG, 4-7 3-PT FG, 33 mins
Jrue Holiday scored 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Holiday’s steady scoring and defense kept the Bucks on their toes, and his ability to knock down key shots proved crucial. His impact extended beyond the stat sheet with solid defensive leadership and there might be those on the Bucks fanbase who miss his type of two-way play.
Jayson Tatum: B
Stats: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 6-16 FG, 1-8 3-PT FG, 36 mins
Jayson Tatum had a solid game with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, adding defensive contributions with 2 steals and 1 block. While he shot poorly from three (1-of-8), Tatum’s all-around play helped the Celtics maintain balance. His off-night shooting slightly affected his grade, but he remained a steady presence on defense and was always a threat on the break and on the boards. Not Tatum’s best night considering his hot start to the season, but an important one because he got the job done.
Derrick White: B
Stats: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 5-13 FG, 3-10 3-PT FG, 34 mins
Derrick White contributed 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists, with 1 steal and 1 block. Though he struggled from three (3-of-10), White’s playmaking (8 assists) was crucial in orchestrating the offense. His versatility on both ends of the floor added value, even if his shooting was off considering his 43% shooting for his career. It did not make much of a difference tonight because White’s defense was exceptional at times and he had some big shots in the third quarter.
Al Horford: B
Stats: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 2 blocks, 4-5 FG, 2-2 3-PT FG, 27 mins
Al Horford had an efficient outing, scoring 10 points with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. He shot 4-of-5 from the field and made both his three-point attempts. Horford’s reliable shooting and solid defense provided the Celtics with veteran stability, especially as he capitalized on open looks. It is certainly admirable how Horford held his own against Giannis as much as possible considering his age at 39 years old.
Xavier Tillman Sr: C
Stats: 0 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0-3 FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 15 mins
Xavier Tillman struggled offensively, going scoreless (0-of-3 FG) and managing just 3 rebounds in 15 minutes. While he didn’t make a strong impact, his hustle on defense contributed to the overall team effort, but he’ll need to improve offensively to have a bigger role.
Jordan Walsh: C
Stats: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3-PT FG, 13 mins
Jordan Walsh contributed 2 points and 3 rebounds but struggled with his shot (1-of-3 FG, 0-of-2 from three). Walsh’s limited impact was reflected in his minutes, but his effort on the boards was a positive sign for his development in the rotation.
Luke Kornet: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 10 mins
Luke Kornet played just 10 minutes, grabbing 1 rebound and adding a block. While he didn’t contribute offensively, Kornet’s defensive presence was felt, although his role was limited. He’ll aim to increase his contributions as he earns more time.
Drew Peterson: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 2 mins
Drew Peterson only saw 2 minutes on the court, missing his sole shot attempt and not recording any other stats. With limited playing time, it’s challenging to evaluate his impact, though he had little effect on the game.
Neemias Queta: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2 mins
Neemias Queta also played just 2 minutes and missed his only shot attempt, providing no other stats. Like Peterson, Queta’s brief appearance did not allow him to make a meaningful impact on the game.
Baylor Scheierman: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2 mins
With only two minutes on the court, Baylor Scheierman did not make much of an impact.
Jaden Springer: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2 mins
Springer only played two minutes on the court and did not have an impact.
