The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by the Suns’ Devin Booker, left, and Torrey Craig during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night in Phoenix. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns go up for the opening tip in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks goes up for a shot against Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Deandre Ayton #22, Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns and Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks go after a rebound during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns is guarded by Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half of Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns goes up for a shot against Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is fouled by Devin Booker #1 and Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is fouled by Devin Booker #1 and Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Phoenix Suns fans cheer on their team in the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots against Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig grabs his leg during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is fouled by Devin Booker #1 and Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns brings the ball up court against P.J. Tucker #17 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates drawing a foul against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns and Jae Crowder #99 talk during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns goes up for a shot against Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Suns’ Devin Booker drives to the basket as the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo defends during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night in Phoenix. Booker scored 31 points in a 118-108 win that gives the Suns a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Antetokounmpo finished with 42 points and 12 rebounds in his second game back after missing two games because of a hyperextended left knee. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker, center, shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges, right looks on during the first half of Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ross D. Franklin-Pool/Getty Images )
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Jeff Teague #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks pressures Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns passes against Jeff Teague #5 and Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) pulls down a rebound as Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul looks on during the first half of Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ross D. Franklin-Pool/Getty Images )
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, is defended by Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, defends during the first half of Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ross D. Franklin-Pool/Getty Images )
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, shoots against Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo grabs his leg during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Fans cheer during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) is defended by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, dunks over Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, pool)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, middle, is defended by Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, top, and forward Khris Middleton during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25), forward Jae Crowder (99) and center Deandre Ayton during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) reacts toward referee Zach Zarba during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and the Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, left, reacts with head coach Monty Williams during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, left, shoots against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) passes the ball while defended by Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) moves in for a basket ahead of Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Chris Paul (3) in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-Pool/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker reacts after contact during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker reacts after contact during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, reacts with guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, bottom, reacts after being called for a foul on Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Fans watch players warm up before Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, passes the ball against Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis (9) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) passes the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) and center Bobby Portis (9) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, dribbles against Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Suns’ Cameron Payne (15) shoots as Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis (9) defends during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (Christian Petersen/Pool Photo via AP)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, shoots against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns rests during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) is defended by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker goes up for a dunk next to Milwaukee Bucks’ Jrue Holiday (21) during the first half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (Christian Petersen/Pool Photo via AP)
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, right, jogs past head coach Monty Williams after shooting a three point basket during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on from the sidelines with his shoe off during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) celebrates with guard Chris Paul (3) after the Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, left, celebrates with Jae Crowder after the Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Fans cheer during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: NFL player Larry Fitzgerald looks on during the second half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 08: A general view of pregame festivities before the start of Game Two of the NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX — The ball went from Chris Paul to Devin Booker and didn’t stop moving until Deandre Ayton scored after every Suns player had touched it.
The 10-pass sequence was the prettiest play of the NBA Finals and the kind the one-man show Bucks couldn’t dream of.
“We actually talked about that play right after the game, me and Mikal (Bridges), and he was like, ‘I think that was the most pumped I’ve ever been after a play,’” Booker said. “And I was like, me too.”
Imagine the feeling if his team gets two more wins.
Booker scored 31 points, Paul had 23 and the Suns beat Milwaukee, 118-108, on Thursday night to take a 2-0 series lead.
The Suns have never been closer to an NBA title. Not bad for a team whose coach told them earlier this season they had the league’s sorriest starting unit, forcing the players to figure things out.
“We did and we’re going to keep it going,” Paul said.
Booker made seven 3-pointers and the Suns went 20 for 40 behind the arc. Bridges scored 27 points, and Paul finished with eight assists.
The Suns surged ahead late in the first half, withstood Giannis Antetokounmpo’s all-around effort to bring the Bucks back, and walked off winners again as fans swung orange rally towels all around them.
Antetokounmpo had 42 points and 12 rebounds in his second game back after missing two games because of a hyperextended left knee.
The Suns never even had a lead in the NBA Finals until their 118-105 victory in Game 1. They dropped the first two games in both 1976 and 1993, their only other appearances, and didn’t win more than two games in either series.
They’ve already got two this time and will go after a third Sunday in Milwaukee, which will host the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.
“We know what the deal is,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’ve got to go back home and protect home.”
Former UCLA standout Jrue Holiday played more aggressively but didn’t shoot a whole lot better than in Game 1, scoring 17 points but hitting only 7 for 21. Khris Middleton was 5 for 16, forcing Antetokounmpo to carry an even heavier load on his sore left leg.
It adds up to the Bucks having to overcome a 2-0 deficit for the second time this postseason. They did it against the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but they had some help when first James Harden and then Kyrie Irving were injured during that series.
Now they are facing a Suns team loaded with weapons all over the lineup, and they showed off all of them in their highlight play.
They whipped the ball all around the perimeter for the final basket of the first half. It went from Paul to Booker to Jae Crowder to Bridges, back to Crowder to Paul, then over to Crowder and once again Bridges. He then finally fed it inside to Ayton, who scored while being fouled with 14.9 seconds left for a 56-45 lead at the break.
The Bucks could only dream of having that many guys involved. Antetokounmpo’s 15 field goals were more than twice as many as any other Milwaukee player.
Phoenix opened a 65-50 lead with a good start to the third, but Antetokounmpo – and pretty much only Antetokounmpo – kept the game from getting away from the Bucks. He scored 20 of the Bucks’ 33 points in the third, the first 20-point period in the finals since Michael Jordan against the Suns in 1993.
“Nothing Giannis does surprises me anymore. He’s got the nickname Freak for a reason,” Bucks guard Pat Connaughton said. “I will say it’s incredible what he’s been able to do, and it hasn’t happened without time he’s put in to get himself ready, get his body better and continue to do the things that he does to be a two-time MVP.”
Milwaukee got it all the way down to six in the fourth, but Paul nailed a 3-pointer and Bridges had a basket to quickly push the lead back to double digits.
Milwaukee outscored Phoenix 20-0 in the paint in the first quarter, but eight of the Suns’ nine baskets were 3-pointers and they were behind just 29-26.
Only two fouls – both on the Suns – were called in a clean quarter. Antetokounmpo took the only two free throws, making one and shooting an airball on the second as fans continued counting, as they have in Bucks’ road games during the playoffs to show that he often doesn’t appear to shoot them within the allotted 10 seconds.
It was tied at 41 with just under five minutes left in the half before the Suns surged ahead with precision offense and some shutdown defense. They finished with a 15-4 run, the Bucks managing just a pair of baskets by Antetokounmpo.
He tried to fire up his teammates with some screaming on the bench during a timeout, but he couldn’t put the ball into the basket for them. The Bucks were a dismal 6 for 25 in the period, missing 10 of their 12 3-point tries.
TIP-INS
Bucks: Middleton finished with 11 points. … Holiday was 4 for 14 in Game 1. … Antetokounmpo had his 13th game with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in this postseason. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had 15 in 1974 and 14 in 1971, had more for the Bucks.
Suns: Booker has 490 points, the second-most for any player in his first postseason. Rick Barry scored 521 in 1967. … The Suns are 14-4 in this postseason.
COIN TOSS
Abdul-Jabbar had some fun with a video on social media calling to mind the important shared history between the teams who came into the NBA together in 1968. The Bucks won a coin toss in 1969 that allowed them to select the future Hall of Famer with the No. 1 pick in the draft.
In the video, Abdul-Jabbar, wearing a Milwaukee No. 33 T-shirt, flips a coin.
“Bucks in 6,” he then said. “Fear the Deer.”
CROWDER COMEBACK
Crowder had 11 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 4 for 8 from the field. He missed all eight attempts in Game 1.
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