The Milwaukee Bucks gear up for a highly anticipated duel with Jrue Holiday and the Boston Celtics

A tough test awaits the Milwaukee Bucks.

Matthew Dugandzic | Nov 21, 2023

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Shortly after the Milwaukee Bucks iced their fifth straight win via a 142-129 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night, the topic immediately shifted to the team’s next assignment.

It was only logical that Milwaukee’s next game was instantly brought up as the Bucks’ next outing on Wednesday night provides an interesting storyline.

Milwaukee will be going up against Jrue Holiday and the Boston Celtics in what could be the Bucks’ toughest test yet in the young season.

Huge game coming up

“It’s going to be a big game, against a really good team, and against our former teammate Jrue, it’s going to be a fun game,” Khris Middleton said after the Bucks dismantled the Wizards to build their longest winning streak in the season so far.

Boston and Milwaukee are touted as some of the most prominent title contenders this season, and they have lived up to their lofty billing.

Boston is currently at the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference with a league-best 11-3 record. The Bucks are not far behind, as their current streak allowed them to move up to third place with a 10-3 record. Philadelphia, another East giant, is in second place with a 10-3 slate.

A familiar face stands in Milwaukee’s way

The most interesting plot in the upcoming duel is the first meeting between Milwaukee and its former point guard.

Milwaukee pulled off a major deal in the offseason when it acquired seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. But in acquiring Lillard, the Bucks had to part ways with Holiday, who played three seasons in Milwaukee and played a crucial role in the team’s championship in 2021.

Holiday has been a huge contributor to the Celtics’ strong start this season. The two-time All-Star is averaging 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, adding firepower to an already potent duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

On the same night that Milwaukee preserved what by far its longest winning streak this season, the Celtics absorbed a stunning loss when they bowed to the lowly Charlotte Hornets in overtime, 118-121.

The disappointing loss only makes the Celtics more motivated when they square up with the visiting Bucks.

For Middleton, a duel with Boston will certainly be a tought test.

“It would be a great test where we are at this point in the season,” said Middleton.

The Milwaukee Bucks prevail over the Washington Wizards

Published Nov 21, 2023

MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.