MILWAUKEE (Dispatches) — The Milwaukee Bucks took their first step toward making the NBA Finals a long series.
Playing in a Finals game in Milwaukee for the first time since 1974, the Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-100 in Game 3 on Sunday. The Suns lead the series 2-1, and Game 4 is Wednesday.
A change in location and venue altered the tone of the series.
In a game the Bucks could not afford to lose, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a special performance.
Milwaukee relied on Antetokounmpo’s special, almost unstoppable brand of bully-ball. He scored a game-high 41 points, including an impressive 13-for-17 from the foul line. He also had 13 rebounds and six assists.
Bucks backcourt tandem Khris Middleton (18 points) and Jrue Holiday (21 points) made sure Antetokounmpo’s performance was not wasted.
The Suns had five players in double figures, led by Chris Paul’s 19 points. Deandre Ayton had 18 points and nine rebounds. Jae Crowder also had 18 points.