Milwaukee earns a well-needed victory over Mike Budenholzer and Phoenix
In a game that felt nearly like a must-win, the Milwaukee Bucks got the job done against the Phoenix Suns, securing a 133-123 victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo did typical Giannis Antetokounmpo things, totaling 37 points along with six boards and 11 assists. Devin Booker’s 39 points served as a game-high. He also dished out 11 assists.
Fueled by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, Milwaukee’s offense leapt out to a quick double-figure lead in the first, forcing old friend Mike Budenholzer to call a timeout. Lopez hit a pair of threes en route to ten first quarter points. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo embarked on a nine point showing, including a perfect 5/5 from the stripe. That helped pad the Bucks’ lead to 31-19 going into the second.
That double-digit advantage immediately evaporated to start the second, as Devin Booker shot the Suns right back into the mix with Kevin Durant sidelined. Milwaukee gained control again for a brief moment, only to see Phoenix take the lead with three minutes left in the half. Despite a first-half high of 22 points from Booker, the Bucks were able to jump back in front before halftime rolled around, 60-57.
In just under five minutes, that Milwaukee lead extended to beyond double-digits after a Taurean Prince corner three made things 77-65 with 7:18 left in the quarter. Giannis Antetokounmpo also began to take over sole control of things, going absolutely nuts in the quarter. After three, he sat at 30 points, including a quite effective 11/12 from the line. A 12-2 run helped Milwaukee separate things at 95-83 going into the fourth.
For as good as the Bucks had played, they weren’t able to fully slam the door until late in this one. With just over a minute to go, Grayson Allen hit a three that cut Milwaukee’s lead to just four. However, Ryan Rollins then answered on the other end with a three of his own. A Taurean Prince slam a few moments later then served as the cherry on the top, solidifying the Bucks’ 133-123 victory.
Stat That Stood Out
So many times this season, the Bucks have struggled with third quarters. In a game where they showed signs of coughing up leads, they maintained their lead throughout the third period, putting them on the right path to victory. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo who racked up a massive stat line 37 points, six boards and 11 assists, the Bucks were able to secure a win that they were in desperate need of.
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