Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks
A playoff rivalry renewed in the 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks have faced each other in the NBA playoffs multiple times, including the 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals, where the Celtics defeated the Bucks in seven games.
Quick Facts
- Primary era of conflict
- Late 1960s – Early 1980s
- Key rivalry figures
- Larry Bird vs. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin McHale vs. Sidney Moncrief
- Defining championship series
- NBA Finals 1974, Eastern Conference Finals 1983
- Celtics historical edge
- Significant lead in all-time series wins and playoff victories
Lore & Background
The Celtics and Bucks have a playoff history that includes the 2022 second-round series, in which the Celtics defeated the defending champion Bucks in seven games. In the final game of that series, the Celtics made 22 three-pointers, a record for the most ever in a Game 7.
Reader's Guide
The rivalry is defined by postseason matchups, particularly the 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals. Key figures from the Celtics side include Jayson Tatum, who was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP that season, and Marcus Smart, who was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
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