NBA Bucks-Suns Finals Score, Takeout: Giannis Antetokounmpo Goes For 40-10 Again, Milwaukee Rolls In Game 3

We ourselves have a series. After losing the first two games in Phoenix, the Milwaukee Bucks earned a well-deserved 120-110 victory over the Suns in Game 3 at the Fiserv Forum on Sunday night. With the win, the Bucks now lag 2-1 in the NBA Finals, which is much more manageable than 3-0 – a deficit that has historically proven to be insurmountable.

As they have been throughout the playoffs, the Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied over 40 points for the second game in a row. In total, Antetokounmpo finished with 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes of action. It was an extremely impressive performance from the two-time MVP, but he also had his fair share of help. Jrue Holiday had 21 points, nine assists and five rebounds, while Khris Middleton added 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Chris Paul led the way in Phoenix with 19 points and nine assists, and DeAndre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds, but ultimately their output was not enough.

The win was important for the Bucks, and the loss was obviously disappointing for a Suns team that controlled the first two games of the series. Still, neither team can afford to dwell on it for too long as they have to prepare for Game 4 on Wednesday night. Here are four key points of Milwaukee’s victory over Phoenix in Game 3.

1. Giannis made history in the NBA

Not only did Giannis Antetokounmpo propel the Bucks to a Game 3 victory, but he also made NBA history. Finishing with 41 points and 13 rebounds, Antetokounmpo became just the second player to record over 40 points and over 10 rebounds in consecutive games of the NBA Finals. The only other player to do so was Shaquille O’Neal.

Antetokounmpo did a lot of damage from the paint in Game 3. In fact, the 24 points he scored in the paint tied the record for most in a Finals game in the last 25. years.

Antetokounmpo’s numbers are hugely impressive, especially considering he is playing his first final. He now has 103 total points in his first three finals, which is the fourth all-time, behind only Rick Barry (122 points), Allen Iverson (106 points) and Willis Reed (104 points). If he can continue playing at the high level he has so far, the Bucks will have a real opportunity to win their first title since 1971.

2. A forgettable game for Devin Booker

Devin Booker was one of the stars of the playoffs, but he had a forgettable performance in Game 3. Booker started off slow – he only shot 1 for 7 in the first quarter – and he didn’t. never really got back on track after that. In total, Booker finished with just 10 points on 3 of 14 shots from the ground and 1 in 7 shots from long range. Booker only played 29 minutes in the game, and he didn’t play in the fourth quarter at all because the Bucks were already big by that point – in part because of Booker’s inability to produce points. earlier in the game. The 10 points Booker scored in Game 3 was the least he’s produced in a game this playoffs. Going forward, the Suns will obviously need Booker to get back on track if they are to earn two more wins in the series to claim their very first NBA title.

3. A nice evening in line for Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s free throw shot has been a major storyline throughout the playoffs as the two-time MVP has had its fair share of charity strip struggles. But in Game 3, he won at the helm. Antetokounmpo attempted 17 free kicks in the game, and he knocked down 13. That equates to 76%, which is a big jump from the 55% he has on average this playoffs. When he hits his free throws at such a high level, the Bucks become difficult to beat. Playing at home probably helped, as there weren’t 20,000 fans counting hard and quickly up to 10 every time he made it to the line. Antetokounmpo deserves credit for remaining aggressive throughout the series, even though he struggled from the line. Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons could learn a thing or two from him.

4. The Bucks were the most physical team

The Bucks dominated the Suns in paint and on the offensive glass, and that ended up being a huge factor in Game 3. Milwaukee grabbed 13 offensive rebounds against just six for Phoenix, and in turn he beat the Suns. 20-2 when he got to the second chance points. The rebound is all about effort, especially when it comes to the offensive rebound, which tells you the Bucks were the most determined – and physical – team on Sunday night. This factor is also evidenced by the free throw totals, as the Bucks shot 10 more free throws than the Suns in the game (26-16). The Bucks set the tone with their physique, and the Suns never quite answered the bell. Going forward, Phoenix will need to be more physical and do a better job of boxing.