MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – Although Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Cameron Johnson missed a much-awaited NBA Finals rematch, NBA fans were treated to a terrific game Sunday afternoon as the Phoenix Suns (51-12) took on the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks (39-25).
Khris Middleton scored a season-high 44 points, shooting 5-for-9 from three-point range to help the Bucks defeat the Suns, 132-122.
Despite the key missing players, the Suns managed to take a 33-30 lead heading into the second quarter.
Phoenix led by as much as 10 in the second quarter, but Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks came roaring back. Both Antetokounmpo and Middleton had 17 points apiece despite the Bucks trailing by 63-60 at halftime.
In the second half, both teams caught fire from three-point range. The Suns shot 14-31 for (46.7%) while the Bucks shot 15-32 for (46.9%). Jrue Holiday finished with 24 points and 9 assists. Antetokounmpo added 19 points and 13 boards and dished out eight assists.
It was important that DeAndre Ayton would have to step up in Devin Booker’s absence, and he did just that, finishing with a season-high 30 points and 8 rebounds. The rest of the starters finished with double-digit point totals; Cameron Payne (23), Jae Crowder (19), Landry Shamet (17), and Mikal Bridges (14) all played well despite the loss.
The Bucks outscored the Suns in the fourth quarter 41-31 to come away with a win.
Bucks Inconsistent Play This Season
The defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks has yet to play consistent basketball his season.
However, they have the talent necessary to compete against any team and the defensive ability to shut out opponents. The Bucks have averaged, 113.8 points per fame, are No. 2 in the league with 46.8 rebounds per game and hold their opponents to 44.9% from the field, which is No. 8 lowest in the league.
They shot the lights out for their home fans on Sunday, drilling 15 total threes. They’ll need plenty more dominant performances like Middleton’s if the Bucks look to take control of the No. 1 seed in the East.
With hopes of repeating as champions, the Bucks will hope to keep all of its players healthy for the remainder of the season. They sit at No. 3, just 3.5 games back of the current top seed, the Miami Heat.
Up Next
Suns – Travel to Orlando to face the Magic on Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET.
Bucks – Travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder on Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET.
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