The Milwaukee Bucks have proved all the doubters wrong after coming back from down 2-0 in this series as they've taken a 3-2 lead over the Suns. The Bucks were the favorites on their home court, which definitely played a role in evening this series at two games a piece, but what happened in game five is not what many people expected.
The Suns have been nearly unstoppable at home this season. They held an 8-2 home record going into Game five looking to improve that to 9-2, but the Bucks had other plans. It was a remarkable game, but to me this game showed that the Bucks are just the better team as a whole. Each of these teams has a star duo, and one could even argue for a big three which heavily dictate the pace and flow of the game.
The Bucks big three of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday combined for 88 points and a total of 24 assists, led by Holiday's 13. The Suns big three of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton combined for 81 points and 15 assists, led by Chris Paul's 11. These numbers explain two crucial elements of this game and the rest of this series. The scoring shows that when all six of these players are playing at their highest offensive potential together, the Bucks have the upper hand. While Booker and Giannis can go head to head in the scoring category, A hot Holiday and Middleton hold the advantage over Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton in this series.
The assists show that while Chris Paul is easily the best playmaker in this series, he doesn't have as much playmaking help around him as the Bucks do in order to take the advantage in each game. While the Suns, move the ball terrifically, their offense is a little more iso oriented than the Bucks is. Booker scored 40 on very efficient shooting, but his offensive game allows the defense to settle down and watch for off ball movement, whereas a player like Giannis or even Jrue Holiday, who uses their athleticism and brute strength to their advantage causes for chaos in terms of help defense.
As Game 6 heads to Milwaukee tomorrow night I see one of two outcomes occurring. The Suns will definitely come out desperate for a win, and if they get their shots to fall and play with enough grit they could bring this series back to Phoenix for a deciding Game 7. Or the Bucks could decide they're winning on their home court. They'll be just as hungry for a win to close this series out in front of their home crowd and if they win, I see them winning with ease.
The Bucks have won three games in a row in this series so the idea of them taking one more is very reasonable. But who knows, Phoenix has been tough all season, and we may just as well see a Game 7. Game 6 tips off at 9 PM ET tomorrow night.
The Suns have been nearly unstoppable at home this season. They held an 8-2 home record going into Game five looking to improve that to 9-2, but the Bucks had other plans. It was a remarkable game, but to me this game showed that the Bucks are just the better team as a whole. Each of these teams has a star duo, and one could even argue for a big three which heavily dictate the pace and flow of the game.
The Bucks big three of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday combined for 88 points and a total of 24 assists, led by Holiday's 13. The Suns big three of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton combined for 81 points and 15 assists, led by Chris Paul's 11. These numbers explain two crucial elements of this game and the rest of this series. The scoring shows that when all six of these players are playing at their highest offensive potential together, the Bucks have the upper hand. While Booker and Giannis can go head to head in the scoring category, A hot Holiday and Middleton hold the advantage over Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton in this series.
The assists show that while Chris Paul is easily the best playmaker in this series, he doesn't have as much playmaking help around him as the Bucks do in order to take the advantage in each game. While the Suns, move the ball terrifically, their offense is a little more iso oriented than the Bucks is. Booker scored 40 on very efficient shooting, but his offensive game allows the defense to settle down and watch for off ball movement, whereas a player like Giannis or even Jrue Holiday, who uses their athleticism and brute strength to their advantage causes for chaos in terms of help defense.
As Game 6 heads to Milwaukee tomorrow night I see one of two outcomes occurring. The Suns will definitely come out desperate for a win, and if they get their shots to fall and play with enough grit they could bring this series back to Phoenix for a deciding Game 7. Or the Bucks could decide they're winning on their home court. They'll be just as hungry for a win to close this series out in front of their home crowd and if they win, I see them winning with ease.
The Bucks have won three games in a row in this series so the idea of them taking one more is very reasonable. But who knows, Phoenix has been tough all season, and we may just as well see a Game 7. Game 6 tips off at 9 PM ET tomorrow night.
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