Milwaukee Bucks: 5 keys to win playoff series against the Boston Celtics

5. Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker must play better.

Bledsoe and Parker were the most noticeable players who struggled on Sunday and it sorely hurt the Bucks.

After playing terrific basketball following the All-Star break, Bledsoe probably played his worst game in a Bucks’ uniform. He understandably had some nerves playing in his first playoff game in five years, but he was never able to kick it. He finished 4-for-12 from the field with seven points, four rebounds, four assists and five turnovers.

Parker was equally bad if not worse going only 1-for-5 from the field for two points and four rebounds and was a -14 during his time on the court. He never looked comfortable out there, as Boston was content with allowing the Bucks to shoot mid-range jumpers all game long.

Bledsoe should be able to win his matchup against Terry Rozier especially given the size advantage he has over him. Hopefully, he comes out hot after getting completely embarrassed by Rozier throughout the game and specifically the last play where Bledsoe was completely turned around and ended up watching Rozier knock down the go-ahead three-pointer with .05 seconds left.

Parker will have a more difficult time getting going and is more reliant on the Bucks getting out and running in transition, something they were only able to do in spurts. The Celtic’s big men laid off Parker on the perimeter and were daring him to shoot the outside shot. Parker never really looked comfortable doing so and will have to find his way in order to have success in this series.