Phoenix Suns Defensive Key #4: Slow down Khris Middleton
Like Suns superstars Chris Paul and Devin Booker, Khris Middleton is always in control no matter where he is on the court. Middleton has always closed games out for Milwaukee. Like Paul and Booker, he methodically gets to his spot on the court, and then elevates over the defender to get his shot off.
Khris The Closer. pic.twitter.com/AsU0XUe9Co
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 4, 2021
Middleton not only ended Atlanta’s season, but also ended the career of legendary TNT announcer Marv Albert, who announced his retirement after 55 years in the booth. Middleton made sure we heard plenty of vintage Marv Albert calls for the very last time though, as he applauded his hot shooting all night long.
Obviously, the Suns cannot allow this to continue. The Bucks are 11-0 this postseason when Middleton shoots above 40.0 percent from the field, and 1-5 during all other contests. He really is the key to everything for Milwaukee.
Conclusion:
Phoenix must meet Milwaukee at the point of attack and win their individual defensive matchups to slow their opponent down on offense. Ayton has to outmuscle Lopez in the paint. Chris Paul and/or Devin Booker need to stay in front of Jrue Holiday, while Mikal Bridges and/or Jae Crowder need to keep Khris Middleton from getting comfortable.
Even without Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks pose a major threat to the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. As Suns head coach Monty Williams has always said, winning four games against Milwaukee will be “on the other side of hard.”