Celtics guard Jrue Vacation returned to his outdated stomping grounds Thursday night time. As a core member of the Milwaukee Bucks 2020-2021 championship group, his homecoming was greeted with open arms and a tribute video, however rapidly changed into a impolite welcome again on the courtroom.
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 an excellent group,” Vacation instructed NBC Boston Wednesday night time. “We’ve beat them earlier than. I’m very assured that we now have an excellent likelihood to beat them once more. So, I believe to have the ability to return to Milwaukee must 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 vastly in his return, nonetheless transient it was. -31 on the courtroom, he completed with six factors, two assists, and 4 rebounds, on 2-9 (22 p.c) from the sphere. Unable to get into any rhythm, the ground basic 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 flexibility to change on decide and rolls and redirect visitors.
This defensive scheme clearly wasn’t working, because the Bucks shot 50 p.c from downtown within the first half.
Though Vacation didn’t have his finest efficiency, he acquired a heat welcome from the Bucks group and their followers. A heartfelt tribute video exhibited a mix of highlights and accolades he achieved in three years as a Buck.
Without end a member of that championship roster, the Celtics guard expressed gratitude for his former group. He acquired 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 all the time been nice, been supportive of me and my household, and the group right here. It was undoubtedly a enjoyable place to play.”
“The subsequent sport… popping out, locking in and taking good care of 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 end result for his new group, Vacation had no exhausting emotions after the Bucks 135-102 bloodbath over the Celtics.
“It was cool, it was cool to be again,” Vacation instructed the media. “It felt comfy strolling in, I simply walked differently. Seeing acquainted faces, saying howdy to those that I’d seen for the final three years.:
Describing the matchup as a “reunion,” the C’s guard will perpetually maintain a chunk of Milwaukee in his coronary heart.
“I simply admire what the Bucks have performed for me and my household,” Vacation instructed the press. “The whole lot that we’ve been by means of, town of Milwaukee, what it means to me and my household. It was cool to come back again, cool to have the video — I’m glad its over.”
