If this is the Boston Celtics down three starters, the rest of the NBA’s Eastern Conference playoff field had better be at least a little nervous. Despite having starters Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams III and Al Horford out injured or resting along with reserve guard Nik Stauskas, the Celtics nearly stole a road win against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night.
In their penultimate game of the 2021-22 NBA season, Boston had the lead with less than 2:30 to play, but fell to the Bucks, 127-121, with an unfortunately timed late defensive collapse to hand Milwaukee its 50th win of the season.
Outstanding play from Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Daniel Theis and Derrick White was nearly enough to secure the improbable victory for the Celtics, who face the Memphis Grizzlies for the final contest of the season this Sunday.
If you missed the game or just want to see the highlights again, check out the clip embedded above for all of the best plays of the game.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!