After the 41-point performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 3, the Milwaukee Bucks launched another late Game 4 run to protect their home at the NBA Finals, securing a Game 4 victory against Phoenix Suns at Forum on Wednesday, July 14.

2021 NBA Finals: Series Tied at 2-2

According to The Athletic, Bucks' forwards Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo were behind the late Game 4 run of the team. Middleton scored 40 points, while the Greek Freak dropped 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. 

The All-Star duo catapulted the Milwaukee Bucks to a victory against the Phoenix Suns, 109-103 in the finals minutes of Game 4. The home victory for the Bucks put the series at two games apiece.

With 2:30 minutes left in Game 4's final period, the Milwaukee Bucks found themselves trailing, 99-97. However, the loud cheer from the home crowd woke up the beast inside Khris Middleton, who scored 10 consecutive points for the Bucks. Middleton closed out Game 4 with a stellar performance.

Behind the phenomenal performance of Khris Middleton at the offensive end was Giannis Antetokounmpo's defense. The Greek Freak had a game-changing block on an alley-oop attempt to Deandre Ayton with the Bucks leading 101-99. 

The alley-oop could have put the game even and could change the outcome of the pivotal Game 4.

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Phoenix Suns Fail

Despite the game-high 42 points of Suns' Devin Booker, the Phoenix squad fell short on the road. Booker had 18 points in the third quarter on 7 of 7 shooting, resulting in a lead heading to the fourth quarter. 

However, in the opening minutes of the 4th period, Booker committed his 5th foul, which sidelined him for most minutes of the final period that limited his production.

Meanwhile, Suns' center Deandre Ayton remained a monster in the paint. Ayton grabbed 17 rebounds for Phoenix Suns, but his scoring production was only limited to single digits, finishing the night with only 6 points.

Also, Suns' floor general Chris Paul struggled in Game 4. CP3 had more turnovers (five) than made field goals (four) in the game, where he was expected to dominate to seal the NBA Finals at home in Game 5. 

Jrue Holiday bombarded Paul throughout the game, which limited Paul's offensive production. Bright Side of the Sun even reported that the Game 4 loss of the Suns had a lot to do with the mental mistakes from Chris Paul.

The site noted that if Paul only had a decent night in Game 4, the Suns could have won the game. With 2 minutes remaining, the game was tied at 99. However, Paul could not get it together for the Suns to finish the game. The turnovers cost the Suns the game. 

The Suns committed a total of 17 turnovers in Game 4 compared to only 5 of the Bucks. The Bucks also had 11 steals, which were translated by the Milwaukee squad to points on the other end of the floor.

READ MORE: Bucks Pull Off 20-Point Victory Against Suns in Game 3; Giannis Antetokounmpo's Another 40-10 Performance Carries Bucks Into NBA Finals' First Win

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Written by: Jess Smith

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