Suns Elbow Their Way to Victory
- Matt Elvy
- Apr 20, 2021
- 3 min read
It took overtime, but Suns start their road trip with a 128-127 victory over the Bucks.
What a way to start the toughest stretch of the season. We go in to Milwaukee, weather the 33 point storm from the reigning MVP and come out with our 2nd win over the Bucks this season. The win also secures us at least a spot in the top 10 in the West, therefore guaranteeing at least a play-in spot, although this team's expectations are much higher than that.
The game was close throughout the game, with the largest lead only being 8 by the Bucks in the 4th. Phoenix fought back with tenacious defense and scoring from all over the court. CP3 controlled the whole sequence, seemingly assisting on every bucket - he had X of his 13 in the quarter.
The final sequence of the 4th quarter was exciting to say the least. Khris Middleton hit a 3 for the Bucks to put them up 116-114, with 42 seconds remaining. On the next Suns possession, Booker hit his patented mid range jump shot to tie things at 116 with 25 seconds left on the clock. Neither team were able to get another bucket, so to overtime we went.
Like the rest of the game, the overtime period was close. Neither team seemed to be able to pull away, but then Phoenix had a lifeline, as Antetokounmpo would sit out the remaining 4 minutes with leg cramps. The Suns were able to get a 6 point lead, but then the momentum started to tip in Milwaukee's direction. They rallied back to tie the game on a Middleton 3 and the Suns would have the last possession.
The ball would go to Booker who pulled up for a long 3, only to be fouled by former Suns fan favourite, PJ Tucker with 0.3 left on the clock. They seemed to knock elbows and after a coaches challenge, the refs decided the call was good. Book would go to the free throw line, hit the 1st to put us up by one, then intentionally miss the 2nd to allow time to run out for the Bucks.
I mentioned CP3's assists, well once again he's breaking records again. This time he has placed himself one spot higher in the NBA all-time assist list, taking over Magic Johnson for 5th place.
With his current average of 8.8 assists per game, it seemingly won't be till next season before he passes Mark Jackson and our beloved Steve Nash, as Playoff assists do not count on this list.
Along with his 13 assists, Paul also finished the game with 22 points and 7 rebounds.
I alluded to it in the Weekly Roundup, but all eyes will be on Deandre Ayton on this road trip and tonight, he certainly delivered. His box score numbers looked great, but as usual it was the parts of his game that can't be measured in the box score that stood out. DA was tasked with guarding Giannis in this one and he did as good a job as you can against him. He forced Giannis in to multiple tough fadeaway jumpers and his footwork while guarding him on drives and post-ups, was just incredible. This defensive work didn't slow him down on the offensive end, as he put up 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting. He added 13 rebounds as well.
Speaking of doing it on both ends of the floor, Mikal Bridges had himself a great game as well. He chased around Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday most of the night, with his usually high level defense, but he also lit it up from 3. He hit 5 of 7 from downtown, including some keys ones in the 4th and overtime, finishing with 21 points.
Last but certainly not least, is our All-Star 2 guard Devin Booker. His shooting numbers weren't eye-popping, shooting only 37%, but he had 24 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists on only 1 turnover. Booker's gravity allows his teammates to be open, so even when he's struggling, he can pass and still punish the other team.
Next game is Wednesday, where we visit Philadelphia - another tough one.
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