BOSTON -- To attempt to successfully defend their NBA championship, the Milwaukee Bucks knew they needed a combination of strong player performances, health and, perhaps, a little bit of luck.
But the absence of forward Khris Middleton loomed large throughout their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Boston Celtics and was ultimately too difficult to overcome as Milwaukee's season ended with a 109-81 loss in Game 7 Sunday.
The Bucks failed to reach 100 points in three of the seven games (all losses) and were badly outshot from behind the 3-point line.