'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Fans raised the roof of the Talking Stick Resort Arena as the Phoenix Suns hosted the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Finals. The Bucks went 3-2 up in the series after a closely-fought 123-119 victory.
The Phoenix Suns caught fire early and went on a scoring spree, ending the first quarter with a 37-21 lead. They also successfully put a lid on their basket and forced six turnovers, one more than what the Milwaukee Bucks recorded in the entire Game 4.
But it was a tale of two quarters as the Milwaukee Bucks took over in the second period. The Phoenix Suns could not stop Jrue Holiday as he was automatic from the field, going 6 of 7 in the second quarter.
Devin Booker had another 40-point game, becoming the second player to score 40 points in back-to-back games during the series. Unfortunately, not much help came from rotation players to help the Phoenix Suns overcome the Milwaukee Bucks.
Another win would guarantee the trophy for the Bucks. With home-court advantage, the side have a great chance of closing out the series.
As we look ahead to Game 6, here are five reasons why the Milwaukee Bucks won against the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Finals.
#1 The Phoenix Suns had a difficult time against the Bucks' defense
It has been said time and time again that your defense will win you games in the NBA, and it was on show again today. Tucker, Holiday and Middleton were extremely impressive on defense during the Bucks' victory. Even though Booker was still able to knock down shots, he had to do that with a hand in his face on occasion.
Despite a lackluster start, the Milwaukee Bucks cranked up the heat on defense and were able to make some stops later in the game. Jae Crowder had open looks in the first quarter and knocked down two 3's in four attempts for the Phoenix Suns. But with their improved defense, both on the perimeter and in the paint, Crowder had no chance of knocking down wide-open 3's.
#2 The Milwaukee Bucks' Big 3 delivered the goods
The Milwaukee Bucks needed their 'big 3' to deliver against the Phoenix Suns, and that's just what they did. Khris Middleton started the game poorly with a 2 of 8 shooting in the first quarter. However, he turned things around in the second quarter to cover up their 16-point deficit and take the lead.
It seemed like the Milwaukee Bucks' 'big 3' took turns decimating the Phoenix Suns' defense. Giannis heated up in the second half while Holiday handled himself well on both ends of the court, playing defense and offense at an elite level.
Holiday was also responsible for cooling off Devin Booker's hot hand after PJ Tucker got into foul trouble. Overall, all three players were sensational for the Bucks, registering 88 of their side's total points.
# 3 The Milwaukee Bucks were more aggressive
The Milwaukee Bucks came out cold but quickly took the game to the Phoenix Suns in front of their home fans. It was an extremely slow start for the Bucks, and it looked like the Suns were going to win Game 5 comfortably.
However, Mike Budenholzer found a way to motivate his players and made some inspired substitutions that had the desired impact. Bobby Portis has arguably been the best sixth man for the Milwaukee Bucks this series, and registered another decent outing.
Although the Suns put together a good run late in the fourth quarter to almost level the game, the Milwaukee Bucks' defense stood firm. Their clutch steal and offensive rebound after Giannis' clutch free-throw showed just how resilient the Bucks were on the court.
#4 The Phoenix Suns could not contend with Jrue Holiday
After having a poor outing in Game 4, scoring four of 20 attempts, Jrue Holiday had a spectacular comeback game for the Milwaukee Bucks. It was almost like he could do nothing wrong as he made the best decisions on offense and successfully locked down Chris Paul to boot.
Holiday was the difference for the Milwaukee Bucks and caused all sorts of problems for the Phoenix Suns on offense. He attacked the rim, shot from the perimeter, and knocked down his mid-range jumpers.
Forcing the turnover with under twenty seconds is perhaps his most impactful play in the game. The Phoenix Suns were one point behind, but the steal and alley-oop on the other end stretched the lead to three and an opportunity for Giannis Antetokounmpo to convert the and-one.
Jrue finished the game with 27 points, 13 assists, and four rebounds in a performance for the ages.
#5 The Milwaukee Bucks shot better from the perimeter
Three-point shooting has been a struggle for the Milwaukee Bucks this series, as they have recorded abysmal percentages from beyond the arc. However, the Bucks found their range in front of the Phoenix Suns' home crowd as they converted 50% of their 3-point attempts.
Pat Connaughton led the way for the Bucks, knocking down four of his six attempts. Holiday and Middleton were also significant contributors in that regard. Although the Phoenix Suns had a better percentage from range, it was not enough to secure the victory.
Guess the Lakers players!
