Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a five-week injury layoff on Monday, but his comeback could not stop the Milwaukee Bucks from suffering a heavy 108-81 defeat to the Boston Celtics.

Antetokounmpo, making his first appearance since sustaining a right calf strain in late January, recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort. Despite his contributions, the Bucks were outclassed by Boston’s balanced and potent offensive display.

All five Celtics starters finished in double digits, while Payton Pritchard impressed off the bench with 25 points, including five three-pointers. Boston drained 20-of-50 shots from beyond the arc, with Derrick White and Sam Hauser each contributing four triples.

The victory lifts Boston to 41-20, maintaining second place in the Eastern Conference, five games behind leaders Detroit Pistons (45-14). The Bucks fall to 26-34, suffering their third consecutive loss and sitting 11th in the East, just outside the play-in zone.

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Monday also saw Trae Young achieve the unusual feat of being ejected for his new club, Washington Wizards, before even making his debut.

Young, sidelined since his January 7th trade from Atlanta Hawks, is set to debut for Washington on February 5. However, he was ejected in the third quarter of the Wizards’ 123-118 loss to the Houston Rockets after confronting officials following a hard foul on teammate Jamir Watkins by Tari Eason.

“Don’t expect me to get ejected too many more times D.C… but I’m definitely bringing that energy & competitiveness when I’m back for my brothers!” Young tweeted after the incident.

Houston improved to 38-22 and remain third in the Western Conference. Alperen Şengün led the Rockets with 32 points, while Kevin Durant added 30.