It was a game of strength and defense. Phoenix Suns are heading home after losing back-to-back games at the Bucks arena and were poised to win the game here in Arizona. The series has come down to a best of three where Game 5 has just concluded.
Milwaukee Bucks Playoffs runs have been one worth noticing – knocked off Miami Heat in 4, Defeated Brooklyn Nets Super team to reach the NBA Finals, and were down 2-0 against the Phoenix Suns in the first two games of the NBA Finals.
Before entering Game 5, Phoenix Suns had not lost a home game since Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on June 28th and had 90% odds to win this game as well. However, Giannis, Holiday, and Middleton had some other plans today. At the end of the 1st Quarter, the Milwaukee Bucks looked down and out when they were trailing by 16 points, however, in the 2nd Quarter the Bucks rallied back and cut down the deficit, and lead by 3 points at the end of the First half.
What went right for the Milwaukee Bucks
Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday came up big again.
One of the most inconsistent pairings of the NBA Playoffs has struck gold in the last two games. The backcourt of Middleton and Jrue Holiday combined for 56 points, 11 rebounds, 17 assists alongside Three steals, and One block.
Jrue Holiday had a massive game on both sides of the court. One of the best defensive Point guards had 27 points, Four rebounds, 13 assists, One block, Three steals which included the most important steal of the game where he stripped the ball of Devin Booker at the end of the 4th Quarter.
A big-time steal by Holiday and a great pass. I think the pass was all about trust," Antetokounmpo told ESPN's Malika Andrews during his postgame interview. "He could have pulled the ball out, let the clock run and get a good shot, but he trusted me."
Middleton went Jordan mode down the stretch. He scored 29 points at a 53% shooting which sealed the game for the Bucks
Giannis ‘MVP’ Antetokounmpo.
Giannis had a regular game. He casually scored 32 points alongside 9 rebounds and 6 assists which sealed it for the Bucks. Giannis is just a game away from securing his 1st ever NBA Title and the franchise 2nd Title after almost Five decades when they last won in 1971.
What went wrong for the Phoenix Suns?
Milwaukee Bucks just wanted a win more than Phoenix Suns
If we look at the scoring columns for the Phoenix Suns, we can see that 3 out of the Five starters for the Suns had 20+ points and CP3, Booker, and Ayton all played at their Playoffs best. But what went wrong?
The Three stars had scoring spurts in different phases of the game. Ayton had a good 1st Half, CP3 came up big in the 4th Quarter and Booker played well the whole game. Unlike Middleton, Holiday, and Giannis who were consistent in the game, the Suns wanted their Big 3 to come under the same umbrella which never happened.
Monte Williams Coaching Error – Benching Cam Johnson
Cameron Johnson is one of the most underrated players in the NBA Playoffs. He played up big when it mattered for the Phoenix Suns. Scoring up in clutch situations in Round 1 against the LA Lakers and Round 2 against the Clippers, most of the NBA Pundits wanted Cam to start over Mikal Bridges but it never actually happened.
Here we are, at the penultimate games of the Season – Game 6 and Game 7. CP3 is on a hunt for his first-ever NBA Championship – the only accolade is missing from his much-decorated CV. However, Giannis and the Bucks have other plans. Signing a massive contract to keep Giannis, Overpaid Jrue Holiday to stay at Milwaukee – it is all coming positive for the Bucks
Will the series end with Bucks in 6 or do we have a Game 7 on the cards?
