Surging Bucks top Celtics; Westbrook Scores 57 in OKCs Win Over Orlando

There were a couple of noteworthy items in the NBA’s March 29th games. A couple of months ago, the Milwaukee Bucks were just another mediocre team in the back of the pack in the Eastern Conference. That no longer is the case. The Bucks were in Boston to take on the Celtics, who had just taken over the top seed in the East from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks had a 14 point lead in the first half, and led 55-49 at the break. The Celtics regained the lead in the third quarter before the Bucks edged in front again. Boston pulled to within one point of the lead on a basket by Isaiah Thomas with 28 seconds left. The Bucks’ Malcolm Brogdon hit a jumper with 3 seconds left to put it away for the Bucks 103-100.

The victory was Milwaukee’s 13th in the last 16 games, and the Bucks are now the sixth seed in the NBA East but have the same record as #5 Atlanta. Brogdon, who had 16 points and nine rebounds, is being mentioned more and more as a serious candidate for Rookie of the Year, and his performance here should help his chances.

Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook made another statement that he should be the league’s Most Valuable Player. Westbrook hit his 38th triple double of the season, and his 57 points were the most ever in a triple double in NBA history. He is closing in on Oscar Robertson’s NBA record of 41 triple doubles in a season. Oklahoma City beat Orlando in overtime 114-108. The Thunder have clinched a playoff berth and are currently the sixth seed in the Western Conference.