PHOENIX SUNS

Devin Booker’s rebound performance can’t rescue Suns in Game 4 loss

Jul 14, 2021, 8:38 PM | Updated: 10:32 pm

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) directs teammates during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

BY TORRENCE DUNHAM

Arizona Sports

Devin Booker bounced back from a rare off performance in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s sloppy play in a 109-103 loss.

Booker scored 42 points after only scoring 10 in Game 3. He was one four Suns players to reach double digits on the night, the others being Jae Crowder with 15 and Cameron Johnson and Chris Paul each with 10.

The Suns turned the ball over 17 times compared to the Bucks’ five, tying the team’s worst mark in the playoffs.

Five of those came from the usually-solid Chris Paul, who has been averaging four per game in the Finals after 1.5 against the Los Angeles Lakers and 2 against the Denver Nuggets.

Points off turnovers and fast-break points hurt the Suns, with the Bucks winning that battle 39-5.

The loss ties the series up at two games apiece headed back to Phoenix on Saturday for Game 5.

Tipoff is at 6 pm and all the action can be heard on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Suns Station.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, center, fights for a loose ball with Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker, left, and center Brook Lopez, right, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) loses the ball between Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) and forward P.J. Tucker, right, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts before the start of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) shoots over Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) grabs a rebound over Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker, left, and guard Jrue Holiday, right, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton dunks the ball ahead of Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, left, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts during the first half against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams directs his team during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis (9) celebrates during the first half against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer directs his team during the first half against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder fights for a loose ball with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, top, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) fights for a rebound with Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) directs teammates during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, right, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball over Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives to the basket over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) fights for a rebound with Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) drives to the basket between Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23), forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) tries to steal the ball from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, center, fights for a rebound with Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) and center Brook Lopez, right, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) drives to the basket over Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) dunks the ball during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket over Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) drives to the basket ahead of Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket over Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reacts during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker drives to the basket ahead of Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, rear, during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks to drive around Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives past Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) during the first half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket between Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, left, and forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) and center Deandre Ayton (22) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams watches from the bench during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks the ball during the second half against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) blocks a shot by Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, right, blocks a shot by Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, center, during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) drives around Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) celebrates after making a three-point basket during the second half against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket between Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) and guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, center, drives to the basket between Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, left, and forward Jae Crowder, right, during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, left, during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) and guard Pat Connaughton (24) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) sits on the bench during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) tries to block a shot by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, right, blocks a shot by Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, center, drives between Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, left, and forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker celebrates in front of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) fights for a rebound with Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) reacts during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots over Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, right, during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) blocks a shot by Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the second half of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) celebrates with teammates during the second half against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates with teammates guard Pat Connaughton, left, and forward Khris Middleton, center, at the end of Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns in basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, left, and Jae Crowder, right, during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, Pool)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) dunks as Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) looks on during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, Pool)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives on Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, Pool)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates in front of Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) at the end of Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton celebrates with teammate forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, at the end of Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns in basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) reacts at the end of Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks in basketball's NBA Finals Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, Pool)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Mark J. Rebilas/Pool Photo via AP)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) shoots in front of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Mark J. Rebilas/Pool Photo via AP)

Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) battle for a rebound during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Mark J. Rebilas/Pool Photo via AP)

Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday (21) shoots against Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Jonathan Daniel/Pool Photo via AP)

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots over Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker, from left to right, Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Jonathan Daniel/Pool Photo via AP)

Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday (21) shoots between Phoenix Suns' Jae Crowder (99) and Mikal Bridges (25) during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Jonathan Daniel/Pool Photo via AP)

Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton (22) shoots past Phoenix Suns' Mikal Bridges during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Jonathan Daniel/Pool Photo via AP)

Phoenix Suns' Deandre Ayton (22) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton (24) and Bobby Portis (9) during Game 4 of basketball's NBA Finals, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Milwaukee. (Jonathan Daniel/Pool Photo via AP)

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