Watch: Miracle shot with .5 seconds left goes to waste in OT playoff game
So much for momentum.
The war of attrition seemed to finally be taking a toll on the Boston Celtics.
Gordon Hayward, of course, was lost five minutes into the season.
Two key reserves — point guard Marcus Smart and big man Daniel Theis — haven’t suited up since March 11 due to injury.
And Kyrie Irving’s “minimally invasive” procedure was more serious than expected, and he’s out for the year.
The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, survived a coaching change to grab a playoff spot, but they too limped into the postseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and company lost their season finale to the Philadelphia 76ers — with playoff seeding on the line — by 35 points.
But two struggling teams made for one incredible finish, with the Celtics holding on for dear life in Game 1 of their first-round matchup against the Bucks, and eventually winning 113-107 in overtime.
The game was SUPPOSED to be over after this shake-break-make move by Terry Rozier.
TERRY ROZIER SHAKES BLEDSOE FOR THE BIG TIME 👌! 😱😱😱#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/H2e8dJ4cvl
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 15, 2018
Rozier’s dagger gave Boston a 99-96 lead. The third-year guard is certainly making the most of his extended minutes with Smart on the sideline.
Ummm, not so fast — Celtics forward Khris Middleton had an answer. He took the inbounds pass with 0.5 seconds remaining and drained a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.
ARE YOU KIDDING!?
Khris Middleton sends Game 1 in Boston to OT with the ridiculous buzzer beater! pic.twitter.com/XUfMBKipzL
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2018
Middleton’s shot was incredible enough, but this wasn’t a Hail Mary. Watch his form — it was like a regular jumper.
https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/985604074413453313
Chances are that neither the Bucks nor the Celtics will make it to the NBA Finals, but they may have already provided the best game of this postseason.
Game 2 will be Tuesday night in Boston.
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