Celtics Crush Bucks Despite Missing Starters
The Boston Celtics, playing without two starters, delivered a dominant performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. The victory was highlighted by a rookie who had a career-best night, showcasing the team's significant bench depth.
The shorthanded Celtics started rookie Hugo Gonzalez and Nikola Vucevic in place of Jaylen Brown (illness) and Neemias Queta (rest) in their 108-81 victory over the Bucks on March 2, 2026. This was just the third start of the season for Gonzalez, the 28th overall pick in the 2025 draft. Vucevic, a two-time All-Star acquired at the trade deadline, made his first start for Boston. Spanish rookie Hugo Gonzalez delivered a historic performance, recording career-highs with 18 points and 16 rebounds. This stat line made him the first Celtics rookie since Larry Bird to achieve those numbers in a game. Gonzalez also added 3 steals and 2 blocks, showcasing his all-around impact. Payton Pritchard provided a major spark off the bench, leading all scorers with 25 points. He was particularly effective from long range, hitting five three-pointers, and also dished out nine assists. This performance was a significant bounce-back for Pritchard, who had been held scoreless in the previous game. The victory came as Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the court after a 15-game absence due to a right calf strain. In his 25 minutes of play, Antetokounmpo put up 19 points and 11 rebounds. Boston's defense was a key factor, holding the Bucks to just 81 points on 36.5% shooting. The Celtics dominated the boards, outrebounding Milwaukee 51-37. This win marked the Bucks' third consecutive loss, all by significant margins. The game highlighted Boston's significant depth, with six players scoring in double figures. In contrast, only three Bucks players reached double-digits. The Celtics' bench outscored the Bucks' reserves, further emphasizing the difference in team depth. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez, who played for Real Madrid before being drafted, had been showing flashes of his potential prior to this breakout game. Before this career night, he was averaging 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His performance against the Bucks demonstrated a significant step up in his rookie season. The Celtics' victory was part of a strong stretch, marking their third straight win and their seventh in the last eight games. The decisive win on the road, despite missing key players, solidified their position as a top team in the Eastern Conference.
