The shorthanded Phoenix Suns traveled to Milwaukee and gave the Bucks all they could handle. Phoenix was without Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Cam Johnson. Nevertheless, the Suns depth was on full display with normal reserves Cam Payne and Landry Shamet playing well for the visiting team.
Khris Big Day
On a day when Giannis was in foul trouble, Milwaukee saw Khris Middleton pour in 44 points. Middleton scored his 44 points on 16-27 shooting including 5-9 from 3-point territory and a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line. This was the second most points Middleton has scored in his career. Kash must love playing against Phoenix. This is the third time he’s went for 40 or more against the Suns.
Even though Jrue Holiday got off to a slow start, he closed with a vengeance. Holiday scored 24 points but torched the Suns for 17 points in the 4th quarter. In addition to his scoring efforts, Jrue also dished out a team high nine assists.
Other notable contributions from the Bucks were Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka and Grayson Allen. Nwora scored 12 points and Ibaka had his best game in a Bucks uniform. The recent acquisition went for a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. While Allen didn’t scorch the nets shooting the ball, he facilitated the ball well handing out six assists. This tied Giannis for second most on the team in the game.
Suns Battled
The top team in the NBA wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Despite having two All-Stars out, Phoenix still managed to score 122 points including 30 points from DeAndre Ayton. The Bucks struggled to defend Ayton in the season series. Ayton averaged 28.5 points in the two games these teams played this year.
In addition to Ayton’s efficient day, the Suns backcourt stepped up and produced 40 points. Cam Payne scored 23 points and hit timely shots for the Suns. Landry Shamet added 17 points and handed out 5 assists in a losing effort.
Winning Streak
The Bucks pushed their winning streak to four games with today’s win over the Suns. The more impressive part of the streak is the teams the Bucks have beaten. The streak started with a win against a dangerous Hornets team. Following that win, Jrue Holiday handed the Heat a loss on a game winning layup. After that, Giannis and company went into Chicago, beat the Bulls and jumped them for third place in the eastern conference.
Milwaukee will look to continue their win streak in Oklahoma against a rebuilding Thunder team. The game against the Thunder will be the first game of a back-to-back. With Milwaukee’s difficult schedule down the stretch, will coach Bud give Giannis or any other player the night off? Atlanta comes to town on the second night of the back-to-back. This will be something to pay attention to during the final month of the season.
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