Thomas leads Celtics to 99-83 win over Bucks

Posted November 10, 2015 6:00 am

BY DAVE BOEHLER

Boston Celtics' Isaiah Thomas passes the ball under the basket between three defenders for the Milwaukee Buck's. Johnny O'Bryant, left, Greg Monroe, center, and Tyler Ennis during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Isaiah Thomas scored 20 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 99-83 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

David Lee and Evan Turner each added 13 points, and Jared Sullinger finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for Boston.

Boston's Avery Bradley sat out the second half with a bruised lower left leg. The starting guard was 1 of 6 from the floor for two points.

The Celtics scored 18 of the final 20 points in the third quarter to win consecutive games after losing three in a row.

Milwaukee's four-game winning streak ended despite 17 points and 14 rebounds from Greg Monroe. He already reached a double-double in the opening half (14 points, 11 rebounds) and had 10 points with five rebounds in the first 5 minutes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 16 points for the Bucks.

A 16-0 run late in the third quarter was the difference.

Boston made all six shots during the stretch of nearly three minutes and Milwaukee turned the ball over four times, missed both shots and clanked two free throws.

Boston held a 58-57 lead with 4:17 remaining when it got back-to-back 3-pointers from Jonas Jerebko and Jae Crowder. The run was capped when Antetokounmpo's bad pass was intercepted by Turner, who broke free for a dunk and a 74-57 lead with 1:12 to go.

The closest Milwaukee would get was 82-71 after a layup by Jabari Parker with 8:25 left in the fourth.

TIP-INS

Celtics: Boston began a stretch of playing five games in seven days. . The Celtics had 46 points at halftime after putting up 72 in the first half - their most at home since Jan. 25, 2009, - in their last game Friday. ... Marcus Smart, who has a sprained left big toe, missed his third game in a row.

Bucks: Milwaukee jumped out to an 18-6 lead but then allowed Boston to go on a 29-9 run. . Michael Carter-Williams missed his fourth consecutive game with a strained left ankle. . Four of the Bucks' next five games are on the road.

UP NEXT

Celtics: Hosts Indiana on Wednesday.

Bucks: Visits Denver on Wednesday.

Boston Celtics' Isaiah Thomas defends against Milwaukee Bucks' Tyler Ennis during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press

Boston Celtics' Evan Turner prepares to dunk against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press

Boston Celtics' Jae Crowder tries to pass the ball back as he is fouled by Milwaukee Bucks' Greg Monroe during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press

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