The defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks were on the verge of defeat and a 3-2 series deficit against the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference semifinals series.
Instead, the Bucks have a 3-2 series lead.
Trailing by six points with 1:45 left in the fourth quarter, the Bucks won 110-107, securing the victory with two made free throws by Pat Connaughton with 5.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Bobby Portisโ offensive rebound and putback off a missed free throw by Giannis Antetokounmpo with 11.4 seconds left in the fourth quarter gave Milwaukee at 108-107 edge. It was Milwaukeeโs first lead since the second quarter.
Bucks guard Jrue Holiday came up with the defensive plays of the game, blocking a Marcus Smart shot with 6.6 seconds remaining and stealing the ball from Smart with one second left โ before Boston could attempt a potential game-tying shot.
Game 6 is Friday on ESPN. The Bucks can close out the series and advance to the conference finals for the second consecutive season.
Here are three key takeaway from Game 5:
Giannis finds a way
Offense is not easy for Antetokounmpo against Boston. Heโs shooting well below his season averages from the field, on 3-pointers and on free throws against the Celtics. But he still makes an impact with his scoring and rebounding.
He had a game-high 40 points in one of his more efficient offensive games of the series: 16-for-27 from the field, 2-for-5 on 3s and 6-for-10 on free throws. He also had 11 rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal.
In the fourth quarter, he had eight points.
Getting help without Middleton
Khris Middletonโs absence due to a sprained left knee was notable before the series began and glaring through five games. He is a 20-point-per-game scorer who can make 3s and mid-range shots, plus rebound, pass and defense. Itโs a significant loss.
There are times when the Bucksโ offense sputters, and Bostonโs defense has…