The Milwaukee Bucks are in a sticky situation, facing a possible 0-3 deficit and making a one-sided final. The last time a team won the first three games of the NBA Finals was in 2018, when the Warriors knocked out the LeBron James Cavaliers.
The Bucks, who got to read the Hawks’ offense so much better, fail to replicate it against the Suns. If their performance in Game 2 is anything to consider, they seem to lack confidence, especially in the clutch moments. So how can Giannis Antetokounmpo make sure they win their first final?
Former NBA champion warns Milwaukee Bucks
In the Bucks’ last three games, one thing was common, teams scoring exactly “118 points” won the game. First, the deer eliminated the Hawks 118-107 and then took two (105-118 & 108-118) losses against the Suns. Perhaps three-time NBA champion and then 3-year-old Bulls head coach Bill Cartwright noted this trend.
In a recent phone interview, the 63-year-old said: “We really have to admire these two teams and I really do because they’ve done things the right way over the year. They stayed healthy, they played their guys… Now it’s just up to them who will play the best in these last games of the season. The hardest part to win the championship is to get there. While you’re at it, let’s go and win. It’s going to be really interesting… How are you going to play? [indiscernible] defense, if you’re going to block, get a rebound, get into a transition, if we see another 118-point game, that’s bad news… ”
Interestingly, it was only once, against the Nets, which the Bucks had given a score above 117 before the start of the final.
How can the underdogs stop the Phoenix Suns?
In their offensive and defensive odds, the Bucks and Suns are neck and neck this season. However, in the last two games, it’s the Suns’ offense that bothers their opponents like nothing else.
Game 2 saw Devin Booker fall 7 three in 12 attempts. He was particularly deadly in the last quarter where he had no problem scoring on Brook Lopez, 7 feet. Overall, the Suns’ confident shot saw them beat the Bucks 11-3.
Apparently, with the exception of Pat Cannoughton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, none of the deer showed fire to grab rebounds and take risks. Khris Middleton looked rusty and underconfident while Jrue Holiday got stuck in doubles teams.
If this trend continues, Sir Bill Cartwright’s concern may take real shape. Do you see the Suns scoring 117+ in Game 3? Help us find out in the comments below.
Watch This Story – The Best of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Devin Booker from Game 2
