Phoenix Suns Bury Milwaukee Bucks to 2-0 Hole in NBA Finals Despite Monster Performance From Giannis Antetokounmpo

Despite a monster performance from Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Phoenix Suns defended their home with 118-108 victory in Game 2 courtesy of a record-setting night from beyond the arc.

In Game 2 on Thursday, July 8, the Phoenix Suns proved that they were worthy of being in the NBA Finals. The Phoenix squad adapted to the adjustment made by the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks planned and executed plays that made life more difficult for Suns guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker. The Bucks suffocated the Suns' pick and rolls, but they left more space for the Phoenix's shooters.

The Suns, clearly prepared for the shift that the Bucks have prepared. The Suns moved the ball well and found the open man.

By the end of the first half, the Phoenix Suns already registered 15 assists on 22 baskets and matched its Game 1 three-point production total of 11 three-pointers.

The Suns drained 20 three-pointers on 40 attempts, setting a franchise mark for three-pointers in a playoff game, tying the second-highest total in NBA Finals history, and sinking 50 percent beyond the arc.

The Suns established a 2-0 series lead and continued their outstanding 14-4 record in their playoff run. The Suns' success was because of their starting lineup that has a scoring threat at any spot on the floor.

In Game 1, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and center Deandre Ayton handled the heavy lifting in the scoring department. While in Game 2, Booker scored a team-high 31 points, which included seven three-pointers.

Forwards Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder combined for 38 points and six threes. A production much needed for the Suns to secure the first two opening games at home.

According to Washington Post, Phoenix Suns Coach Monty Williams stated that his guys worked hard to secure the win. Williams said they had a "let it fly" mentality, especially in the fourth quarter, because these were the moments that Booker lives for. Williams praised Booker for not running from those moments.

In addition, Williams noted that Devin wants to prove to everyone that he's one of the best players in the league. The Suns' coach stated that Booker did not want to do it just by stats and numbers. He wanted to prove himself by winning an NBA title.

Demoralizing Experience For Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks' Squad

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dropped 42 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, pounded a chair and shouted at his Bucks teammates during a timeout at the first half.

The Greek Freak apparently tried to encourage greater focus in the face of a Phoenix Suns barrage. The emotional display was a sign that the Milwaukee Bucks showed frustrations at this point of the NBA Finals. It also proved that the Phoenix Suns set the terms of the series for the second straight game.

The Bucks started Game 2 aggressive, attacking the paint in the early minutes of the ball game. However, the Suns also launched a surge beyond the arc, making 8 three-pointers in the opening quarter to stay in striking distance and took over in the second quarter.

The Bucks dominated the paint in Game 2, making things difficult for Ayton operating under the basket. However, they paid the price for leaving the Sun's shooters open.

The series would be shifting to Milwaukee, wherein Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks' squad would attempt to put the series to even at home.

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Written by: Jess Smith

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