Celtics Win Dramatic Playoff Opener Against Milwaukee

The Celtics survived a wild finish, including a Khris Middleton buzzer-beating three that sent the game into overtime, and beat the Bucks 113-107 in game one of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.

Terry Rozier had just put the Celtics ahead 99-96 by nailing a three with 0.5 seconds left in regulation. Rozier crossed over Eric Bledsoe, stepped back and hit what appeared to be the game-winning shot.

Middleton then took the inbounds pass and quickly nailed a contested 35-foot three.

The Celtics were up 108-106 in overtime when Al Horford collected a rebound and got it ahead to Rozier, who was fouled. The third-year guard made both free throws and put Boston ahead 110-106 with 18.8 remaining.

The Bucks never truly threatened from that point on, as Milwaukee continued to foul and Boston continued to knock down its free throw attempts.

Horford's 24 points and 12 rebounds were both team-highs. Terry Rozier chipped in 23 points in his first career playoff start. Jaylen Brown scored 20 and rookie Jayson Tatum added 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 35 points to go along with 13 rebounds and seven assists. Middleton poured in 31 points and added eight rebounds and six assists. Malcolm Brogdon scored 16 points, all in the second half.

The Celtics and Bucks will play game two of the series Tuesday night in Boston.