Bucks eliminate Celtics to reach Eastern Conference Finals

WASHINGTON - The Milwaukee Bucks finished off the Boston Celtics and clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001 with a 116-91 win in Wednesday's Game 5.

While Boston won the first contest, Milwaukee displayed its dominance as the top seed and won the next four to advance.

Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo spearheaded the effort with 20 points, eight assists, eight rebounds. He was one of seven Bucks players who scored double figures. Khris Middleton had 19 points and eight rebounds and Eric Bledsoe finished with 18 points. George Hill finished with 16 points and Nikola Mirotic had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Star guard Kyrie Irving's shooting woes continued for the Celtics, and he finished 6-of-21 from the field for 15 points and once again failed to outplay Antetokounmpo.

Next up for the Bucks is the winner of the series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors are up 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Thursday.