Final: Bucks 113, Celtics 101 -- Another third quarter collapse puts Celtics in 3-1 hole

For the third straight game, a Bucks third quarter run doomed the Celtics, which has put Boston on the verge of elimination after a 113-101 defeat to Milwaukee. George Hill (15 points) and Pat Connaughton (9 points, 10 rebounds) keyed a 11-1 third quarter run yet again at the TD Garden, stretching out the Bucks lead to double digits while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton rested with foul trouble.

The Celtics were never able to overcome the big third quarter, getting no closer than five points in the fourth quarter as Kyrie Irving (7-of-22, 23 points, 10 assists) suffered through his third straight miserable shooting performance as Boston's bench was miserable (seven points) for the second straight game. The Celtics shot just 22 percent from 3-point range and 37.8 percent from the field, the second-worst shooting performance of their season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a game-high 37 points and 16 rebounds in the win to help Milwaukee take a commanding 3-1 series lead as they head back to Milwaukee for Game 5.

Second Quarter Notes

• Celtics with the second straight disastrous game from their bench so far with just five total points in the first half including a goose egg from Gordon Hayward


• Irving opens the game 5-of-15 from the field but has shown better defensive effort, which has helped keep the Buks limited to just 36.5 percent shooting.


• Marcus Morris rescued the C's inept offense with a few gritty moves around the basket. He's got a team-high 11 points and 7 rebounds at the half, including a team-high seven free throws.


• C's (21 percent) and Bucks (19 percent) can't hit anything from beyond the arc.


• More steady contributions Jaylen Brown (11 points) but he has been limited with foul trouble as well


• Giannis carrying the Bucks offense (15 points, 9 rebounds) while Khris Middleton chipping in with 13 points after a slow shooting start.

• Good defensive energy early from C’s getting into the Bucks air space.


• Celtics open the game 6-of-8 from the field, being more patient with their offense on a whole


• Jaylen showing some nice aggression attacking the basket yet again. He's been great this postseason.


• C’s making a living in the midrange


• Some huge takes by Giannis early, leads to six quick points for him.


• Starting five continues to have some good success in this series.


• Baynes big screens getting separation for guys


• Good ball pressure from Smart and Morris on Middleton


• Kyrie playing better defense early.


• Marcus Morris remains a bit underutilized in this series


• Great quarter ends on a sour note after Rozier gets sucked in on a drive and leaves Connaughton open for a corner 3.

• Marcus Smart remains a game-time decision ahead of Game 4 after taking part in his first practice on Sunday since suffering a torn oblique last month. Brad Stevens indicated that his availability would be limited to five-minute burst if he is cleared to play.


• Malcolm Brogdon has been ruled out for the Bucks as he continues to recover from a torn plantar fascia.


• The Celtics have allowed 123 points in two straight games against Milwaukee after allowing that number just nine times during the regular season. They are 2-9 in those games.


• Aron Baynes could be back in the rotation tonight after playing just two minutes in Game 3. Stevens referred to a need for added rim protection as a factor to work him back into the mix, even as he's limited by a sprained ankle suffered in Game 1.