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The Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks game will be the second and final head-to-head meeting this season. It is another 2021 NBA Finals rematch between the Suns and the Bucks, with fans eager to see how it goes down. The last time they faced one another this season was on Feb. 6, 2024, when the Suns secured a 114-106 win.
Tonight, it was a thrilling first quarter in this much-anticipated matchup, finishing with a 3-point lead for the Milwaukee Bucks at 39-36. It was a team effort showing for the home team as they were playing without their superstar forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, it also marked the return of Bucks forward Khris Middleton, who last played on Feb. 6, 2024, against the Suns. In that game, he logged eight minutes of action as he suffered a left ankle sprain. He scored 6 points on 2-of-3 shooting during that game.
He looked good in his limited showing so far tonight, as the shooting touch remains intact.
Heading into the second quarter, it was an incredible showing for Bucks forward Bobby Portis, as the Phoenix Suns had no answer for him. From shotmaking to cleaning the rebounding glass, Portis' offensive production coming off the bench did more than enough to catapult a strong close in the first half for the Bucks.
It looked like it was going to be a clear blowout victory for the Phoenix Suns as they made things interesting with 1:30 minutes remaining in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just six points. However, Damian Lillard went perfect from the free-throw line at that point, going 4-of-4 and later finished the quarter with a huge three-point shot to enforce the team’s momentum.
Entering the fourth quarter, it was apparent that the Suns needed to go with a strong run if they wanted to steal a road victory in Milwaukee. However, Kevin Durant struggled to get into any rhythm throughout the game, on a night when his team needed him the most. The same can be said of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, who both contributed 23+ scoring performances.
Interestingly, Phoenix managed to make the game close once again with 6:17 to go in the final quarter, making it just a 6-point game. However, the Bucks went on a 12-5 run to force the Suns to call a quick timeout. Despite trying to settle down and talk things through, the Phoenix Suns were not able to mount any convincing comeback as the Bucks pulled away with the win.
Phoenix Suns vs Milwaukee Bucks game player stats and box scores
Phoenix Suns game player stats
Milwaukee Bucks game player stats
Milwaukee Bucks secure impressive win against the Phoenix Suns without Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks received quality contributions from many key players in their roster from double-double contributions of Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis to an outstanding return game for Khris Middleton. The team finished the game shooting 54.3%, including 58.5% from beyond the arc. The Milwaukee Bucks have now won three games straight.
The Suns, on the other hand, encountered problems again with their defensive struggles along with their lack of roster depth. They are in sixth place (39-28) in the Western Conference standings as they try to steer clear of the Play-In Tournament.
