The Milwaukee Bucks strode confidently into one of the intimidating arenas within the NBA, seized the lead from the Phoenix Suns within the midst of the fourth quarter, and completed with a flourish to safe a spectacular 116-104 victory.
That’s not straightforward to do.
But the Bucks made it look straightforward. That’s precisely why they grew to become the primary staff to clinch a playoff berth this season Tuesday evening, in addition to turning into the primary to 50 wins this season.
“We just have a good balance on our team,” Bucks guard Jrue Holiday said. “At any given second, any person can explode.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo offered his common scoring with 36 factors whereas Brook Lopez added 21. The Bucks have gained 21 of their previous 23 video games in a powerful two-month run. The Suns have dropped three straight.
“We just mentioned it in the coaches’ locker room to appreciate this,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Making the playoffs on this league is difficult. You ought to by no means take something as a right.”
Said Antetokounmpo: “We are good. We are in a great place proper now. We obtained to maintain on studying, staying humble.”
The Suns trailed by 9 factors at halftime however reduce the deficit to 85-84 heading to the fourth after Devin Booker hit a mid-range jumper on the third-quarter buzzer.
Cam Payne hit back-to-back 3-pointers to place the Suns up 90-87, which was their first lead of the second half. The recreation stayed tight for the following a number of minutes however the Bucks took the lead for good when Pat Connaughton hit a nook 3 for a 100-97 benefit with 6:30 remaining.
Antetokounmpo added 11 rebounds and eight assists. Lopez shot 10 of 14 from the sector and added 10 rebounds. The Bucks closed the sport on a 24-9 run.
Booker led the Suns with 30 factors on 13-of-27 capturing. Deandre Ayton had 19 factors and eight rebounds regardless of enjoying simply 26 minutes due to foul bother.
The Bucks led 57-48 at halftime. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 20 factors whereas Booker and Ayton each had 10 for the Suns. Phoenix shot simply 39.2% from the sector within the first half.
Irritated Monty
There was a big free-throw disparity within the recreation with the Bucks capturing 37 free throws whereas the Suns shot 16.
Suns coach Monty Williams wasn’t happy.
“It is not fair,” Williams said. “Book has three free throws and Jrue Holiday is likely one of the most bodily defenders within the recreation. Giannis has 24 free throws. It is ridiculous. There isn’t any different strategy to put it.”
Later, Williams added: “They beat us, make no mistake about it, however that could be a arduous one to swallow.”
Torrey’s tooth
Suns ahead Torrey Craig misplaced a tooth within the third quarter after taking an inadvertent elbow from Antetokounmpo. He laid on the ground for a couple of seconds earlier than discovering his tooth on the bottom, which he picked up and took to the bench.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
