The Phoenix Suns bloodied up the Milwaukee Bucks just a few nights ago, countering any punch thrown by the miraculously healed Giannis Antetokounmpo or cunning guards Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday with their own vicious attacks, notching a 118-105 victory.
Chris Paul started a bit slow, but then exploded for 32 points, going 4-7 from 3-point range. He tallied 16 points during the third period, where the Suns pulled away with a 20-point lead, never relinquishing it from that point on.
Rounding out Phoenix’s “big three,” Deandre Ayton finished with 22 points and 19 rebounds, while Devin Booker dropped 27 points, grinding his way to the charity stripe often, eventually going 10-10. Mikal Bridges came through as well with 14 points, hitting 2-4 shots from outside.
Role players Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne combined for 20 points, going 4-9 from outside. They certainly made up for Jae Crowder, who scored just one point despite playing 32 minutes.
Swarming like bees over a broken nest, the Suns extensively bothered the Bucks on the defensive end as well. Finishing with 9 team steals, Phoenix collectively forced 13 Milwaukee turnovers, keeping them unable to find their rhythm while never taking their foot off the gas at the floor’s other end. It went down as yet another incredible team-effort for the Suns, and leaves them just three more wins away from their first NBA title.
That starts tonight with Game 2, as the Suns defend their home court once again against the visiting Bucks. Ready to take a decisive series lead, here are two ways the Suns can run away with this one.