Bucks get even against Celtics

Milwaukee

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 points and 10 rebounds, Khris Middleton made seven of Milwaukee's 20 3-pointers, and the Bucks beat the Boston Celtics 123-102 on Tuesday night to even their second-round playoff series at a game apiece.

Antetokounmpo bounced back from a subpar performance in Game 1, repeatedly attacking the rim with powerful drives to the basket. He went 7-for-16 from the floor and 13-for-18 at the foul line.

Middleton finished with 28 points for Milwaukee, which went 20-for-47 from beyond the arc.

Eric Bledsoe added 21 points and five assists.

The Bucks led by as many as 31 points after a closely played opening half. Game 3 is Friday night in Boston.

Marcus Morris paced Boston with 17 points. Jaylen Brown had 16, and Al Horford finished with 15.

Kyrie Irving, who had 26 points and 11 assists in the Celtics' 112-90 victory in the series opener, finished with nine points on 4-for-18 shooting in 31 minutes.

Milwaukee broke it open by outscoring Boston 39-18 in the third quarter. Antetokounmpo scored 15 points in the period.

Antetokounmpo tipped in his own miss and made another 3 to help Milwaukee pull away. The Bucks went on a 24-2 run to carry a 98-73 lead into the fourth.

Brook Lopez and George Hill each finished with 10 points for Milwaukee. Pat Connaughton grabbed 11 rebounds to help the Bucks to a 54-45 advantage on the glass.

Antetokounmpo came out in an aggressive mode, getting to the foul line for eight attempts in the first quarter and making five. But he missed his only three field goal tries in the period.

Irving was 0-for-6 from the field but the Celtics moved the ball freely while taking a 30-25 lead after one quarter. Boston was 9-for-21 from the field and 9-for-10 at the free-throw...