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Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks blasted the Phoenix Suns in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum on Sunday. Antetokounmpo recorded one of the all-time great performances with 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists to power the Bucks to their first Finals game win since 1974. The Milwaukee Bucks are still down 1-2 in the Finals but have a chance to tie the series in Game 4 on Wednesday, which they will play at home again.
The Bucks were ahead by 15 points in the first half, but the Phoenix Suns made a huge run in the third quarter to cut the lead down to four points midway through that period. But the hosts were never rattled and eventually found their groove again, going on a 16-0 run to give them a 98-76 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Milwaukee Bucks then saw the game off in the fourth quarter to seal a 120-100 win.
Here are 5 reasons why the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game 3 of the NBA Finals:
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo was too much for the Phoenix Suns
Whenever the Phoenix Suns tried to go small ball on the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo used his height, length and quickness advantage over his smaller opponents. The Greek Freak was a force in the paint, dunking and picking up offensive rebounds. Even otherwise, he just tipped missed shots despite the presence of big men Deandre Ayton and Frank Kaminsky in the ballgame as well.
Antetokounmpo was a man amongst boys on Sunday, showing as much passion as he has shown at any point in his career. His infectious energy rubbed off on his teammates as well. Additionally, Antetokounmpo’s free-throw shooting was on point without the countdown from Suns fans. He made 13-of-17 free throw attempts in one of his best performances at the line in the playoffs.
#2 Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton joined the Milwaukee Bucks party
Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton played well alongside Antetokounmpo for the first time in the 2021 NBA Finals. It was a terrific first half for Middleton, who struggled mightily in Game 2 with only 11 points in the 118-108 loss on Thursday. But he came on strong with 15 points in the first half and 18 total for the game.
The Milwaukee Bucks forward wasn’t as involved in the second half as other players stepped up in his stead, but he prepared his teammates for that big surge after halftime.
Jrue Holiday had only seven points in the first half, but he exploded in the second with a barrage of 3-pointers. Many of these came in the crucial third quarter when the Phoenix Suns threatened to make a comeback. The Bucks' lead was down to four at 74-70 because of Suns forward Cameron Johnson’s hot shooting.
But the Milwaukee Bucks guard answered every Suns attempt at cutting down the lead with one 3-pointer after another. Holiday had 12 points in the quarter on four 3-pointers, including three straight against the Suns. Overall, the veteran guard recorded 21 points with nine assists overall.
#3 The Milwaukee Bucks bench came up huge
The reserves for the Milwaukee Bucks were more involved in Game 3 than ever, and they delivered during the crucial moments against the Phoenix Suns. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton did the most damage with 11 and eight points, respectively.
Portis was a bundle of energy off the bench, grabbing eight rebounds, including four on the offensive end. When the Bucks went with Antetokounmpo at the five and Portis at the four, the duo controlled the boards.
Connaughton made 2-of-4 three-pointers and played excellent defense at the other end.
Together, they had a plus/minus of +22 with Portis recording a +19 for the game.
#4 Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Phoenix Suns in almost every category
Game 3 was a statement game for the Milwaukee Bucks. They showed that they belonged in the Finals and owned virtually every category on the stat sheet against the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks dominated the Suns in the following categories: 3-pointers made (14-9), free throws made and attempted (20-of-26 to 11-of-16), rebounds (47-36), assists (28-21), steals (8-3), turnovers (15-9), fastbreak points (16-6) and points in the paint (54-40).
While some Phoenix Suns fans seemed to point fingers at referee Scott Foster as a factor due to his history with Chris Paul, the Milwaukee Bucks simply outhustled, outmatched and outplayed their opponent for 48 minutes.
#5 Devin Booker left his shooting in Phoenix
After two strong performances on the Phoenix Suns’ home court, Booker shot horribly in Game 3. He had only 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting from the field, including an ice-cold 1-of-7 from 3-point range. After averaging 29.0 points in the first two games, Booker had a tough shooting night in only 29 minutes of action.
From the first quarter alone, the Phoenix Suns guard was unable to shake off the Milwaukee Bucks defense. At one point, Booker made just one of his first seven attempts, which summed up an overall disappointing display on the night.
Also Read: 5 Highest scoring performances in NBA Finals with 0 free-throw attempts
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