PHOENIX SUNS
Suns stars lead the way in Game 1 victory over Bucks in NBA Finals
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives as Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) defends during the first half of game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool)
The stars of the Phoenix Suns came out firing in the team’s first NBA Finals appearance in nearly three decades, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 118-105 Tuesday night to take the opening game of the series at Phoenix Suns Arena.
A big third quarter helped the Suns cruise to a victory, outscoring the Bucks by 11 in the quarter.
As he did in the clinching Game 6 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul took control of the game and scored 16 points in the quarter.
CP3 is taking over and the Suns are pulling away in Game 1 😤pic.twitter.com/qKTVT7Qeuz
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 7, 2021
The Point God finished with 32 points, even without draining a bucket in the entire first quarter.
Phoenix’s other two stars also made their presence felt, as Devin Booker scored 27 points and Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double with 22 points and 19 rebounds.
The Suns at one point in the third quarter led by 20 points and entered the final 12 minutes up by 17.
Milwaukee at multiple points in the fourth quarter cut the lead to single digits, but Phoenix runs quickly put the Suns back in control.
Both teams shot the ball well, with each shooting above 45%, but the Suns’ nearly spotless performance at the charity stripe made the difference.
Phoenix drained 25 of their 26 chances, missing the last one.
Giannis Antetokounmpo made his return after missing the last two games of the Eastern Conference Finals due to a hyperextended knee.
The big man finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds but was held to only five points during the course of the second and third quarters.
Khris Middleton was the top scorer for the Bucks, recording 29 points
The Suns will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series at home on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Listen to all the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
