Celtics guard Jrue Vacation returned to his outdated stomping grounds Thursday night time. As a core member of the Milwaukee Bucks 2020-2021 championship workforce, his homecoming was greeted with open arms and a tribute video, however shortly become a impolite welcome again on the court docket.
Previous to the matchup, Vacation was business-like together with his anticipated arrival in Milwaukee. Whereas he was unable to forecast his feelings, the guard was very blunt about his expectations and present focus.
“We’re a very good workforce,” Vacation advised NBC Boston Wednesday night time. “We’ve beat them earlier than. I’m very assured that we’ve got a very good probability to beat them once more. So, I feel to have the ability to return to Milwaukee needs to be enjoyable. Once more, a spot the place I used to be there for 3 years, and we did nice issues there, however I’m on to raised issues.”
Vacation struggled enormously in his return, nevertheless transient it was. -31 on the court docket, he completed with six factors, two assists, and 4 rebounds, on 2-9 (22 %) from the sector. Unable to get into any rhythm, the ground common missed a number of open pictures past the perimeter.
Unable to get stops defensively, Mazzulla shifted to a zone typically within the first half. Sticking Vacation on Giannis Antetokounmpo, #4 was typically positioned in the midst of a 2-1-2 zone. By putting him close to the free throw line, he had the power to modify on decide and rolls and redirect site visitors.
This defensive scheme clearly wasn’t working, because the Bucks shot 50 % from downtown within the first half.
Though Vacation didn’t have his greatest efficiency, he obtained a heat welcome from the Bucks group and their followers. A heartfelt tribute video exhibited a mixture of highlights and accolades he achieved in three years as a Buck.
Endlessly a member of that championship roster, the Celtics guard expressed gratitude for his former workforce. He obtained loads of cheers and a standing ovation from Bucks followers.
“It was superior,” stated Vacation. “My stint right here, I had a good time, and it was actually enjoyable. I had some nice recollections, and shared a few of these recollections on the jumbotron. The followers right here have at all times been nice, been supportive of me and my household, and the workforce right here. It was undoubtedly a enjoyable place to play.”
“The following sport… popping out, locking in and caring for enterprise”
Jrue Vacation explains what the Celtics have to do to place the loss to the Bucks behind them pic.twitter.com/RgyRuuk8bU
— Celtics on NBC Sports activities Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 12, 2024
Regardless of a horrible final result for his new workforce, Vacation had no onerous emotions after the Bucks 135-102 bloodbath over the Celtics.
“It was cool, it was cool to be again,” Vacation advised the media. “It felt comfy strolling in, I simply walked differently. Seeing acquainted faces, saying hiya to those that I’d seen for the final three years.:
Describing the matchup as a “reunion,” the C’s guard will eternally maintain a chunk of Milwaukee in his coronary heart.
“I simply admire what the Bucks have performed for me and my household,” Vacation advised the press. “Every thing that we’ve been via, town of Milwaukee, what it means to me and my household. It was cool to return again, cool to have the video — I’m glad its over.”