Boston Celtics’ late comeback surge comes up just short in 121-119 loss to Bucks in final game before NBA trade deadline

The Celtics showed some late magic in a thrilling comeback attempt but fell in a 121-119 loss to the Bucks on Wednesday at the Fiserv Forum. Daniel Theis’ game-winning 3-point attempt with time expiring hit the back iron as the surge came up just short.

It was the final game before the 3 p.m. Thursday trade deadline as the Celtics got one final look at their current roster.

Boston was led by Jaylen Brown (24 points) and Kemba Walker (23). Jeff Teague had his second straight game with efficient numbers as he finished with 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting.

The Celtics just kept chipping away at the lead. There were times when the Bucks threatened to pull away, but the C’s always had a response to close the game, but still fell to 21-23 on the season. While the Celtics put up a spirited effort in the fourth, the Bucks, one of the best offenses in the league, were just a little more efficient.

It’ll be an important upcoming two days for the Celtics. The deadline could come with either a big splashy move or a smaller trade. Then it’ll be a rematch against the Bucks at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Fiserv Forum.

Here are four things to know from Boston’s blowout loss to the Bucks:

Celtics’ fourth quarter woes have flipped, at least recently: That was the second straight game where the Celtics outplayed their opponent in the fourth quarter. It started in Monday’s overtime loss to Memphis, where the C’s had to overcome a late deficit to force the extra period. Then the C’s outscored the Bucks 33-21 in the fourth quarter on Wednesday. It’s a stark difference to earlier in the year — and perhaps shows a change in style.

Celtics showed some energy, life: When the Bucks built their huge 25-point lead, it looked like the Celtics had no interest showing up Wednesday. There was plenty of frustration as things didn’t go Boston’s way, but it seemed the C’s turned on a switch in their comeback attempt. That started with guys like Walker in the third quarter, who sparked the comeback attempt. That’s more of the Celtics of the past few games that have gutted through tough showings.

Who will be on the court Friday: It’s no secret the Celtics have been heavily involved in trade rumors of all sizes, whether that’s a big splash or a small move. Regardless, it was an important game for Boston’s current iteration. The starting lineup featured Tatum, Brown, Daniel Theis, Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker — the rare five-man group from last year that’s seen little time this season. It was an important last-second development just to get a glimpse of the Celtics before Thursday’s deadline.

Injury concern: The Celtics were getting healthier, but they saw a blow to their depth in the second quarter of Wednesday’s game. Semi Ojeleye looked like he hit his hip against the Bucks’ Jrue Holiday, which knocked him to the ground immediately as he looked to be in pain. Ojeleye needed help getting back to the locker room. The Celtics determined Ojeleye was out for the remainder of the game with a left hip contusion.