Key #3: keep moving the ball
The Suns scored 118 points in both their wins against Milwaukee this series. But how they got those 118 points from game to game is astounding. The Suns had 8 more assists in Game 2 because Milwaukee was very aggressive helping out on dribble-drives and rolls to the basket. It is why the Suns got so many open three-pointers. It is a choice Milwaukee has decided to make in an effort to keep everything out of the paint.
With that said, this level of ball movement displayed by the Phoenix Suns was absolutely magnificent. Milwaukee played near-perfect defense on that possession but it was not enough.
If Milwaukee is going to continue to help this aggressively, then the Suns will have to keep moving the ball to generate open looks. The Suns had 26 assists in Game 2 and only 18 assists in Game 1, but they scored 118 points in both games!
There are some potential downsides to passing the ball more: Khris Middleton or Giannis may get an extra steal or two playing the passing lanes. But the pros far outweigh the cons here: Giannis cannot carry Milwaukee’s offense while covering this much ground defensively; Jrue Holiday’s aggressive on-ball defense on Chris Paul will be neutralized; Brook Lopez and PJ Tucker will be worn down trying to anchor more defensive rotations.
Conclusion:
The Milwaukee Bucks will be much tougher and much stronger at home. Giannis Antetokounmpo will have more offensive reinforcements on his home court. If the Suns can continue to take advantage of what Milwaukee is giving them, then they will be in a strong position to win Game 3.