The Milwaukee Bucks are 40-30 and in fifth place in the NBA Eastern Conference. They are just one game behind the hot Indiana Pacers, who have won four games in a row, and one game ahead of the Detroit Pistons. Winners of two straight games, Milwaukee looks to continue their winning ways on yet another West Coast road contest, this one against a familiar foe.
The Phoenix Suns are a team in turmoil. They are just 34-37 under the leadership of former Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer, who many consider to be on the hot seat due to the Suns’ lack of production on the court and poor locker room culture.
Unfortunately, Milwaukee will be without nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who is sitting out again due to a calf injury. Fortunately, Giannis Antetokounmpo has experience a great deal of success against Phoenix during his career.
5. March 14, 2023: Bucks 116, Suns 104
Giannis scored eight of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, sparking a come-from-behind win over Phoenix. He also had 11 rebounds, eight assists, one block, and one steal. The two-time NBA MVP shot 11-23 from the field (0-3 from three) and was 14-24 from the free throw line.
Brook Lopez added 21 points and 10 rebounds while Jrue Holiday had 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
4. February 2, 2020: Bucks 129, Suns 108
Giannis holds the Bucks franchise record for career triple-doubles with 52. However, he would have dozens and dozens more if not for just one missed shot by his teammates in games which he has posted nine assists.
Such was the case in this win, a thrilling performance that saw the Greek Freak put up 30 points, 19 rebounds, and nine assists. He was 10-21 from the field (1-5 from three) and 9-16 from the free throw line.
Khris Middleton added 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while then-point guard Eric Bledsoe had 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Lopez had 17 points and an impressive eight blocked shots.
3. February 10, 2021: Bucks 124, Suns 125
In what would end up being a preview of the NBA Finals that year, Milwaukee and Phoenix slugged it out in a hard-fought contest that saw Milwaukee fall just short of the win.
No one could blame Giannis, though, who put up 47 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. He was 15-23 from the floor (0-3 from three) and 17-21 from the free throw line.
Middleton had 18 points and 11 assists while Bryn Forbes added 17 points.
2. July 11, 2021: Bucks 120, Suns 100
Down 0-2 in the NBA Finals, Milwaukee needed a win desperately to avoid falling behind 0-3. Giannis made sure that they didn’t, leading the Bucks to a blowout victory in Game Three of the 2021 championship series.
He posted 41 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists while shooting 14-23 from the floor (0-2 from three) and going 13-17 from the free throw line.
Holiday added 21 points and nine assists while Middleton had 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
1. July 20, 2021: Bucks 105, Suns 98
As if there could be any other performance to take the top spot on this list. Giannis brought Milwaukee its first NBA Championship in 50 years with an out-of-this-world showing in Game Six of the 2021 NBA Finals.
He clinched Finals MVP with 50 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and five blocks, and cemented his place in franchise lore as the best player in Bucks history.
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- “Thriving Without Me;” Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Praises Bench After Latest Win
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