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Tatum, Celtics come out on losing end of low-post battle

The latest win by the Bucks ties them at two games each in their playoff series with the Celtics
Credit: Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives for the basket during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in game four of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee on Apr. 22, 2018

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points, including tipping in the go-ahead basket with 5 seconds left, and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Boston Celtics 104-102 on Sunday to tie their first-round playoff series at two games apiece.

Boston's Marcus Morris missed a 14-footer at the buzzer with Khris Middleton's hand in his face to seal a nail-biting win for the Bucks.

Seconds earlier, the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo jumped and reached up with his left arm around Boston's Jayson Tatum to put back Malcolm Brogdon's missed layup for the game-winner.

The Greek Freak wins it!!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/gQXjPcTbvS

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 22, 2018

Game 5 is Tuesday night in Boston.

Jaylen Brown had 34 points for the Celtics, while Tatum added 21. Tatum's 18-footer with 52 seconds left gave the Celtics a brief 100-99 lead.

He just couldn't hold off Antetokounmpo on the other end for the decisive tip-in.

Jaylen Brown sets a new career-high in style (34pts) 🔥 pic.twitter.com/P9OJNMOW8C

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 22, 2018

The disappointing end for the Celtics overshadowed their spirited rally from a 65-45 deficit with 7:37 left in the third quarter. Play got chippy and the Celtics limited the Bucks' transition game.

They came up one basket short at the end.

TIP INS

Celtics: Coach Brad Stevens kept his starting five intact after the team never recovered from a disastrous first quarter in Game 3. Stevens said he would likely only make a switch for matchup purposes. ... Boston ended with a 43-36 edge on the boards. ... Morris finished with 13 points and shot 4 of 14.

Bucks: Starting C John Henson missed a second straight game with a sore back. ... The Bucks went with the same starting five as Game 3, with Zeller replacing Henson and Brogdon starting for Tony Snell. ... Jabari Parker led a vigourous effort off the bench with 16 points and seven rebounds. Backup C Thon Maker blocked five shots and played most of the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT

Game 5 is Tuesday at the TD Garden in Boston.

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