By: Tennie Sumague, Eagle News Service US, New York Bureau
Assisted coverage by Eric Han, EBC – Eagle News NMW
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS- The Boston Celtics hosted Fan Appreciation Night at their final regular season game at TD Boston Garden against Milwaukee, pulling away with the victory and the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 112-94 win over the Bucks. Boston earned the top seed and home court advantage throughout the playoffs when the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Toronto Raptors 98-83.
The night opened with Celtics star point guard Isaiah Thomas igniting the action with an opening speech thanking the fans for their support throughout the regular season before tip-off.
“Tonight is really all about giving back to the fans and community partners for their continued dedication and unrelenting support of Celtics basketball. The passion that these fans contribute on a nightly basis fuels not only this team, but the organization as a whole. This is one way that we can simply say thank you,” Celtics Team President Rich Gotham said.
The Celtics overcame a sluggish first quarter to take the lead 57-56 at halftime. Trailing 87-88 with 8:11 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Celtics went on a 25-2 run over the next six minutes to build a 22 point lead, sealing the victory. Celtics closed out the season winning 17 of its final 20 home games, recording the league’s most home victories dating back to January 25.
Thomas extended his career best streak of games with a 3-pointer to 57 consecutive games and finished the night with 13 points and 8 assists. Boston had six players scoring in double figures including Thomas with Gerald Green leading the way off the bench with 18 points for the Celtics. Boston will face against former Celtics star Rajon Rondo and the Chicago Bulls, Sunday evening during the 1st round playoffs at home.
“It will be a good matchup for us. They’re the 8th seed but they’re better than what seed they are. They’re a really good team especially with Dwyane Wade back. So we have to be ready for them,” Thomas said on playing the Bulls during the playoffs. “Playing Celtics basketball that gives the best chance to in position to win those games,” he added.
Milwaukee Head Coach Jason Kidd rested All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Matthew Dellavedova and Tony Snell locked the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and will play the 3rd seeded Toronto Raptors in Toronto on Saturday evening.
“I think both teams know each other well. Understanding they got a couple new pieces that have helped them with Tucker (P.J) and Ibaka (Serge). We expect a physical series, a tough series. They got All-Stars in Lowry (Kyle) and DeRozan (DeMar) who is playing at a very high level. A tough opponent but our job is to focus on one possession and that’s the first possession, whenever we play,” Coach Kidd said on looking ahead to playing the Raptors.
Other highlights of Fan Appreciation Night include, a special joint performance of the Dunk Team and the Celtics Dancers featuring the Celtics’ mascot, Lucky and the team honoring seven educators from Boston Public Schools with a 2017 Educator of the Year Award during halftime.
