The Bucks still have work to do if they hope to win the 2021 NBA Finals, but they took care of a critical first step: cutting Phoenix’s 2-0 lead in half. Milwaukee topped the Suns 120-100 in Game 3.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. This effort gave Milwaukee its first win of the series, a happy sight for fans in attendance for the first NBA Finals game in the city since 1974. Jrue Holiday chipped in 21 points.
The win stunts the momentum of Phoenix, who sought to jump out to an essentially unbeatable 3-0 series lead. “I said it after last game. This team’s not going to give in. They’re going to keep playing all the way through … So we have to bring that same effort that we had in the first two games and I think we’ll be in good shape” said Suns guard Devin Booker. Booker disappointed in this matchup, shooting just 3 for 14.
The Suns never felt all that threatening in the game. The Bucks went into halftime up 15 points (60-45), and then after a short burst by Phoenix late in the third quarter, Milwaukee quickly seized control once more and extended their lead to 22 points (98-76).
Game 4 will be in Milwaukee before the series heads back to Phoenix. It is seemingly another must-win tilt for the Bucks.
