Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 31-point double-double not enough as Milwaukee Bucks fall to Phoenix Suns

In a nail-biting 108-106 victory, the Phoenix Suns overcame the Milwaukee Bucks with standout performances from Kevin Durant scoring 38 points and Devin Booker sealing the win. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 31 points weren’t enough, as the Bucks failed to capitalize on key second-chance opportunities.

Defense proved to be the game-changer as the Phoenix Suns managed to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks with a tight 108-106 score. During his exceptional performance, Durant scored 38 points to sustain Phoenix throughout the match before Booker nailed the game-winning shot. Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved 31 points and 10 rebounds, but the Bucks fell short because they did not capitalize effectively on their second-chance opportunities during this intense contest.

Kevin Durant led the Sun’s offense with an impressive performance of 38 points and eight rebounds, and five assists. Phoenix maintained its position in the game because Durant’s scoring ability consistently challenged the formidable Bucks’ defense. Devin Booker solidified his performance by making 19 points alongside 12 assists while sealing the game victory with a game-winning shot.

On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo proved once again that he’s among the elite in the league. Despite battling right patella tendinopathy, he logged 37 minutes and was impressive, making 12 of 19 shots while contributing five assists to his 31 points and 10 rebounds. Brook Lopez also had a notable performance for Milwaukee, adding 23 points and 10 rebounds. However, his missed 18-foot jumper at the buzzer put an end to the Bucks’ hopes of extending the game into overtime.

The match was filled with fierce competition and tough play, as both teams traded leads over the course of four quarters. The Suns’ knack for minimizing Milwaukee’s second-chance chances was vital, stopping the Bucks from taking advantage of offensive rebounds at critical times. Phoenix’s bench stepped up, with Ryan Dunn scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Nick Richards achieved a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Even Giannis Antetokounmpo has shared his views on this “You have to get a stop. If we get a stop, maybe we have a whole different game. I feel like Devin Booker was able to get to his spot and get a wide-open look. We got to watch the film, I don’t know how that happened, how that took place.”

For Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, this victory carries extra weight since it’s his first game against the Milwaukee Bucks, his former team, since he left in 2023. The win not only propels Phoenix forward but also stands as a personal success for Budenholzer against the team he once guided.

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The Suns are celebrating a hard-earned win and getting ready to face the current NBA champions at PHX Arena on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Bucks are trying to regroup without their star guard, Damian Lillard, who has missed three games in a row due to a right calf strain.

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