Suns 118, Bucks 105 (PHX leads series 1-0)
What went down
Chris Paul had his fingerprints all over Game 1 as the Suns convincingly took a 118-105 victory over the Bucks.
Paul had a game-high 32 points to go along with nine assists while Devin Booker was right behind with 27 points. Phoenix’s explosive backcourt brought the fire but Deandre Ayton quietly had a monster double-double of 22 points and 19 rebounds.
The Suns got into their offensive sets with ease, including a ton of midrange shots that shredded the Bucks’ defense. They had a crisp 46.6 field goal shooting percentage and went 25-for-26 from the free throw line. Led by Paul, the home team used a strong third quarter to create separation.
The big story heading into the series opener was the status of the Bucks’ best player Giannis Antetokounmpo who has been out because of a knee injury. The two-time MVP squashed all doubt with regards to his health after playing 35 minutes and putting up 20 points and 17 rebounds. Khris Middleton had a team-high 29 points in a losing effort.
The Bucks got to within single digits in the fourth multiple times but the Suns had an answer for every run.
Game 2 is on Friday, 9:00 AM (PHT).
Big-time baller
Chris Paul couldn’t have come up with a better stat line in his first NBA Finals game.
The Point God balled out and had 32 points on 12-of-19 shooting, four triples, four rebounds, and nine assists.
Paul’s Finals debut ranked among the greats as he is the first player with at least 30 pints and eight assists since Michael Jordan in 1991. He also became the third player at age 36 (or older) to score 30-plus points in a Finals game, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Tim Duncan according to ESPN Stats and Info.
What he said
There has been mutual benefit from the pairing of the savvy veteran Chris Paul and the young hungry core of the Phoenix Suns since the start of the season. Now on basketball’s biggest stage, we are seeing everything come to fruition.
"We've been doing it all season long for these moments."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 7, 2021
Chris Paul says trust is the reason for the Suns' success. (via @malika_andrews) pic.twitter.com/QeWicMlCdh
Did you see that?
This Giannis block was so impressive considering he was out because of a hyperextended knee a week ago.
The chasedown drew comparisons to LeBron James’ 2016 rejection of Andre Igoudala. Different stakes, obviously, but Giannis’ block is still pretty awesome.
"Blocked by Antetokounmpo... WHAT A RECOVERY!" 🤯#NBAFinals on ABC pic.twitter.com/HgJw9vjA15
— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2021
