Friday 3rd May 2019

Our event of the day is game three of the NBA second round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. The teams are tied at 1-1 after a strong game for both sides so far in the series. Expect another battle between strong veteran Kyrie Irving and young generational talent Giannis Antetokounmpo in another unmissable match. In Tuesday’s game two, Milwaukee showed that Giannis is at his best when his teammates are at theirs. Boston had effectively shut down the Bucks’ MVP candidate in game one with tight interior defence. They were able to do that as the Bucks went cold, with only three players managing ten points. However, in game two, the Bucks bounced back and forced the Celtics to spread their defence to cover an incessant three-point assault from their opponents. Eric Bledsoe broke out for twenty-one points while Khris Middleton managed twenty-eight. With Boston’s defence managing multiple shooting threats, Giannis was able to do what Giannis does best. He notched his fourth double-double of the postseason, with twenty-nine points and ten rebounds.

Meanwhile, no Boston player managed a twenty-point game as Milwaukee got back on track. Their loss in game one had come as a surprise to many as Milwaukee had breezed through the first round and solidified their status as Eastern Conference favourites. What is clear is the difference between these two teams. Milwaukee relies on Giannis but has a talented supporting cast for him and, as previously mentioned, allow to Giannis to flourish. Meanwhile, the Celtics have a potent star duo in Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum. Beyond Irving and Tatum, there is talent but it isn’t consistent. Al Horford is a solid shooter but his break-outs are not consistent. Marcus Morris is a reliable journeyman who has come into his own in recent years but is not a star. However, few expected this playoff series to be the back and forth affair it has been through the first two games. What will define the rest of the series is whether Boston’s defence can adapt to containing more than just Giannis. Be sure you don’t miss the next exciting match in this playoff series.

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the One Day International between Ireland and England at The Village in Malahide. England have made numerous changes to account for suspensions, injuries and rested players. Dawid Malan, Jofra Archer and Ben Foakes all join the team to make up for the loss of Jos Butler, Johnny Bairstow and Sam Billings to name a few. That said, Ireland will provide good practice for England as they work out the issues in their line-up and strategy as the World Cup draws ever nearer. Be sure you don’t miss what is sure to be an exciting day of cricket played against the gorgeous backdrop of rural Ireland. Elsewhere, the Diamond League, the premier international athletics league, begins today with the Doha Diamond League event at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. The event comes days after the IAAF’s landmark ruling on South African runner Caster Semenya. Semenya, despite the ruling against her, has announced her intention to race. Her decision speaks to the enduring spirit and tenacity that truly defines the sport. With fourteen disciplines planned over the day, this is sure to be a memorable iteration of the event. In the AFL, Collingwood host Port Adelaide at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. On the LPGA Tour, the MEDIHEAL Championship continues at the Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City, California. On the ATP Tour, the BMW Open continues in Munich.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

Fixture

Photos by Boston Celtics; Milwaukee Bucks