Phoenix, Feb 11 (U.S.): Cam Johnson overpowered his defender and fired a beautiful one-handed shot, wowing the crowd and giving the Phoenix Suns 20 points in the final quarter of a 131-107 win. over Milwaukee Bucks.
Nothing changes the fact that the Bucks beat the Suns last year in the NBA Finals.
However, there is no doubt that Thursday night was good for Phoenix, the Associated Press reports.
Deandre Ayton scored 27 points, Mikal Bridges added 18, and the Suns raised his NBA record best to 45-10 in the rematch of last season’s title series. Chris Paul added 17 points and 19 assists while Devin Booker scored 17 points.
“They are the defending champions – we’re still hurting,” said Suns coach Monty Williams. “But from a confidence standpoint, sure, it was a big match for us. I can admit that now.”
The match was tight throughout most of the first inning, but the Suns slowly withdrew in the third quarter, building a 97-77 advantage in the fourth inning. Eaton had an effective night, shooting 12 of 14 from the field on a variety of moves and jumps.
The Suns topped 27 in fourth and received a standing ovation from the home crowd in the final minutes as the players exited the match.
Paul finished his 500th career career. He is only the fourth guard in NBA history to achieve this feat.
“I’m thankful I still got the chance to play,” Paul said. “And not only am I playing, but I feel like I’m playing at a high level every night. It’s great.”
The Bucks had a four-game winning streak. Guru Holiday and Chris Middleton Bucks led with 21 points each. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 18 points, made eight assists and seven rebounds.
“They were taken out and executed,” Holiday said. “We missed a few shots. Our defence, I know my defense personally that started in the third quarter was really bad, really bad. They went out and took care of the business.”
Phoenix won 15 of the 16 games.
The Suns used a 12-4 run to finish the second quarter and lead 64-56 at the end of the first half. Eaton led Phoenix with 15 points before the end of the first half, while Holiday got 17 points in favor of the Bucks.
This was the first meeting between the two teams since July 20, when the Bucks beat the Suns 105-98 in Milwaukee to win Game 6 and secure the NBA title. The Bucks have won the last four games of the series.
Connaughton Heart
Bucks guard Pat Connaughton broke a finger on his right hand in the third quarter.
Coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed the injury after the match. Connaughton was injured when Paul missed his way to the basket late in the third quarter. Immediately he grabbed his right hand – his shooting hand – and was out of the game shortly thereafter.
Connaughton is one of the team’s biggest reserves and averages over 10 points per game.
slender seats
Both teams were cut short due to the deals made earlier in the day.
The Bucks took over Serge Ibaka’s center, but he’s not yet with the team. The roster featured three more holes after goalkeeper Donte DiVincenzo moved to the Kings and forwards Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye were sent to the Clippers.
The Suns added striker Tori Craig and guard Aaron Holiday in the deals, but they didn’t make it to Phoenix. The Suns dealt second-year striker Galen Smith to the Pacers for Craig.
Hints
Bucks: Budenholzer said he hopes J. George Hill (neck ache) will be back soon. He said the team hasn’t decided whether to wait until after the All-Star break to bring him back, giving him extra time to rest.
Suns: Keepers Cam Payne (sprained wrist) and Andre Schammit (sprained ankle) did not play. …hosted a selling crowd at the Footprint Center for the thirteenth game in a row. … Johnson scored 15 points from the bench. … outperformed Milwaukee 68-50 in paint.
next one
Bucks: Host Trail Blazers on Mondays.
Suns: Host magic on Saturday.