BOSTON (AP) – Even with two new starters in the lineup, the Boston Celtics’ slide didn’t end.

Walter McCarty’s 3-pointer was waved off at the buzzer, the referees ruling it came too late as the Celtics lost their seventh straight game, 106-104 to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

Michael Redd scored 26 points and Desmond Mason added 21 for Milwaukee, which won back-to-back road games for the second time this season.

“For a team that has a road-heavy schedule in the second half, we’re getting off to a good start,” Bucks guard Damon Jones said.

Boston, which started rookie Brandon Hunter in place of Chris Mihm and newly acquired Chucky Atkins at point guard, has dropped 13 of 14. Hunter scored a career-high 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Atkins added 14 points and eight assists.

“When we get teams down by 12, especially ones that played the night before, you have to be able to put them away,” Atkins said.

After the Celtics took a 101-100 lead on a three-point play by Mark Blount, Milwaukee responded with baskets by Keith Van Horn, Damon Jones and Redd to take a 106-101 lead. Ricky Davis followed with a basket and free throw to pull the Celtics within two.

“Once (Paul) Pierce fouled out, we knew the ball was going to Davis more,” Redd said. “We made the key plays down the stretch, and we are big fans of the instant replay.”

Pierce led the Celtics with 21 points before fouling out with 2:49 remaining. Blount chipped in 20 points and 10 rebounds.

“This was a tough one to lose because we had a lot of opportunities,” Pierce said. “When you miss 17 free throws and lose by two points, that says it all.”

Boston was 22-of-39 from the free throw line.

Trailing 40-28 after one quarter, the Bucks went on a 12-0 run to start the second quarter behind six points from Erick Strickland.

Mason led Milwaukee with 13 second- quarter points on 6-of-7 shooting.

Toni Kukoc scored 18 points off the bench for Milwaukee.

Notes: Bucks guard T.J. Ford missed the game with a sprained neck. He was placed on the injured list. … Atkins made his debut for the Celtics after being acquired in a multi-player trade with Detroit last week. … Joe Smith left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury for Milwaukee. … Boston’s 40 points in the first quarter was a season-high. … The Celtics have allowed an average of 109 points over the last six games.