NBA playoffs wrap 2019: Bucks take series lead over Celtics

Ameer Tyree

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NBA playoffs wrap 2019: Bucks take series lead over Celtics image

Milwaukee took control of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday.

The Bucks beat the Celtics 123-116 at TD Garden in Game 3, claiming a 2-1 lead in the series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had a statement game, recording 32 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for Milwaukee. He also protected the paint and recorded three blocks on the night.

Kyrie Irving scored a team-high 29 for the Celtics following Boston's Game 2 loss, but the Celtics' bench lost the points battle to Milwaukee by 26.

Boston failed to defend home court, but it will have a chance to knot things up again in Game 4 on Monday.

Portland just edged out Denver in quadruple overtime to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Damian Lillard usually headlines for the Trail Blazers, but it was CJ McCollum that led all scorers with 41 points in his team's 140-137 victory.

But it was Rodney Hood who hit the biggest shot of the game from beyond the arc down the stretch.

Nikola Jokic played a staggering 65 minutes and recorded 33 points, 18 rebounds and 14 assists in the contest.

Portland and Denver will have to do it all again Sunday in Game 4. The Nuggets are fresh off a seven-game series, and it doesn't look like they'll be getting much rest moving forward.

Studs of the Night

George Hill scored 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting off the bench for Milwaukee.

Will Barton scored 22 points in the Nuggets' win.

Duds of the Night

Eric Bledsoe scored nine points on 4-of-15 shooting in the Bucks' win.

Al-Farouq Aminu tallied six points on 2-of-9 shooting for the Trail Blazers.

Highlight

Jaylen Brown dropped the hammer on Antetokounmpo after driving to the rim through contact.

Rodney Hood took the lead for the Trail Blazers with a triple in quadruple overtime.

What's Next?

Warriors at Rockets — Houston is down 0-2 to the defending champs but has a chance to get back on track at home. The Warriors are clicking on all cylinders, but the Rockets have managed to stay close down the stretch in this second-round series. Golden State going up 3-0 would make a Houston comeback very unlikely.

Ameer Tyree