Match at a very advanced time between the Bucks and the Suns (12:00 p.m., local time), and what a match, since it is quite simply a reunion between the two 2021 finalists. A reunion marred by the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring), but which marks the return to play of Khris Middleton (22 points, 7 assists).
In the absence of the double Greek MVP, Damian Lillard (31 points, 16 assists) and Bobby Portis (31 points, 10 rebounds) shone, and not just a little, to claim the scalp of Bradley Beal (28 points, 7 assists), Grayson Allen (25 points, 8 assists), Devin Booker (23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) and others.
An authoritarian victory on the part of Milwaukee (140-129), in offensive demonstration against this team of Phoenix yet complete, but out of the shot in defense. Particularly in the first half, where everything was decided in this part…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A historic first half. What can we say about these first 24 minutes of the Bucks, except that they were untouchable and brilliant offensively? With 82 points, 60% shooting including 67% from distance, 18 3-point baskets (NBA record equaled over a half) or even 23 assists for 3 turnovers, there was just no match with the Suns, who were not so bad on offense, pressing in the paint because of their clumsiness behind the arc. Except that by defending horribly on Damian Lillard and especially Bobby Portis, certainly in a trance, there could be no other outcome than a -22 at the break…
– Bobby Portis, incandescent. Precisely, speaking of Bobby Portis, it is impossible not to mention his enormous passage in the first half, where he planted… 25 points in 10 minutes, 10/12 shooting (including 5/5 at 3-points) , before calming down somewhat. “In the zone”, the inside of the Bucks torpedoed the Suns with its multiple exterior banderillas, to the delight of the Fiserv Forum, delighted to see its favorite blaze like this. An offensive demonstration from “Bobby”, fueled by Damian Lillard and who took Milwaukee to a +22, even without Giannis Antetokounmpo!
– Phoenix wakes up too late. Next to the plate for a half, like a strangely discreet Kevin Durant, the Suns ended up finding color after returning from the locker room. Under the leadership of their trio Devin Booker – Grayson Allen – Bradley Beal, they took advantage of an address finally at half-mast on the Bucks side to eat up their delay, without failing to attack their opponents again and again in the paint, by planting a few 3-points to top it off. The gap therefore fell below ten points, except that Damian Lillard was watching closely and, more focused on scoring after the break, he pushed the visitors back.
– Khris Middleton's recovery. A month and a half after his last match against Phoenix, Khris Middleton was back in action during this meeting against… Phoenix. Preserved so as not to put too much strain on this left ankle which has been bothering him since the beginning of February, the Milwaukee full-back/winger was efficient in his playing time (25 minutes), taking what the defense left him and creating gaps for his snipers. like Malik Beasley or Jae Crowder. The Bucks now just have to hope that their three-time All-Star stays in good shape until the end of the season…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
