NBA Finals: 2 Ways the Phoenix Suns Run Away with Game 2 vs Bucks

Phoenix Suns need to keep whacking Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer voiced his displeasure with the the NBA’s officiating following Game 1, as the Suns shot 10 additional free throws than their opponent. Quite frankly, it is beyond absurd for the Bucks to complain about free-throw regulations when the league consistently neglects to punish their star player’s own violations, but coach Bud still complained regardless.

But even if you indulge Budenholzer’s comments, his team still left several points up for grabs at the line, going 9-16 while the Suns shot a near perfect 25-26. Antetokounmpo contributed largely to this issue, going 7-12 himself.

Shooting 54.1 percent from the free-throw line so far this postseason, Antetokounmpo remains an undeniable liability for the Bucks, and one that the Suns need to continue challenging. That remains the real problem for Milwaukee, not anything going uncalled by the refs.

But even with NBA officials likely to adjust to Budenholzer’s comments and keep an extra eye out for players hacking Giannis, whether subconsciously or not, the Suns cannot let it discourage them. Keep bumping this guy as much as possible especially on his shots, he can’t do much about it.

The belligerent Suns fans surrounding Antetokounmpo as he chucks up attempt after attempt certainly seem to enjoy this practice, often counting up to 10 once the he receives the ball, like so many fanbases before them. Keep the Suns fouling, keep the fans shouting, and the Bucks become roadkill in Game 2.