The Phoenix Suns were supposed to win on Sunday against a Milwaukee Bucks side that did not have Giannis Antetokounmpo available due to a hamstring injury. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal were all fit to play as the Suns Big 3 looked to drop the hammer on an undermanned Milwaukee side.
And then, Damian Lillard happened.
Kevin Durant Reacts to Tough Loss Vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Durant had a forgettable performance in this one, logging just 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting. After the game, the former NBA MVP acknowledged that his lack of aggression on the offensive end was an issue for the Suns. However, KD remains adamant that this was not the end-all and be-all of their loss:
"Grayson took my spot scoring. I had to do other shit. We got ourselves back in the game."
Kevin Durant 11 points, took 1 shot in 4th of #Suns loss to #Bucks.
"Defensively, we lost this game. My shot attempts, my points, I know it's a talking point but we scored enough points." pic.twitter.com/cH1YcXKC3h
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 17, 2024
As he said, former Bucks guard Grayson Allen made up for Durant’s shortcomings on offense. Allen finished with 25 points and eight assists, while also going 6-of-11 from his attempts from deep. It just wasn’t enough, though.
Lillard put on a show for the ages on Sunday as he led the Bucks to a 140-129 victory. Dame erupted for 31 points while also tying his career-high with 16 assists. Simply put, the Suns just had no answer for Dame Time.
Devin Booker Sounds Off on Bucks’ Resiliency
For his part, Booker conceded that they were outplayed by their opponents. He commended the Bucks for stepping up to the plate despite the fact that their best player was watching from the sidelines:
"You got to understand that when teams are missing somebody who usually dominates the ball a lot, those guys are going to go out there and play free and that's what they did."
Devin Booker on #Bucks 140-129 win w/o Giannis Antetokounmpo. #Suns #Bucks pic.twitter.com/9QhibF9ldi
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 17, 2024
That’s now two losses in three games for Phoenix, who now get a couple of days off before they return to action on Wednesday to face a Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers side.
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