Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from thrilling Game 3 win over Phoenix Suns

After a vile two-game start on the road against the Phoenix Suns in these NBA Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks knew how important Game 3 was shaping up to be.

With their backs up against the wall, the Bucks came out in front of an energized home crowd and delivered an all-around phenomenal performance from start to finish. After an impressive four quarters of some of the best basketball this team has played this postseason, the Bucks would secure their first win in a Finals game since 1974 by convincingly taking down the Suns 120-100.

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Understanding the heightened importance of this matchup, the Bucks looked more aggressive on both ends of the floor from the opening tip. After a rocky first quarter, they managed to take firm control of the game thanks to a prolific run in the second quarter that saw them end the half on a 16-0 run.

The Bucks keep their title hopes alive after securing a massive Game 3 win, and here are three takeaways from the contest.

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivers another masterclass in Game 3 win over Phoenix Suns

What Giannis Antetokounmpo has managed to showcase throughout his first three games in the NBA Finals is astonishing.

With his team desperately needing this victory, Antetokounmpo took charge on the offensive end and looked to be more aggressive all night. Bulldozing his way close to the basket consistently, the Greek Freak finished with a herculean 41 points on 60.9 percent shooting. With Phoenix big man Deandre Ayton getting in foul trouble, Antetokounmpo managed to take advantage of the Suns’ lack of size out on the court and simply dominate.

His aggressive nature offensively led to several trips to the free throw line, where Antetokounmpo looked calm and collective throughout the contest. Not having to hear the opposing crowd count from the second he touched the ball with hopes of getting a 10-second violation, he would shoot a stellar 13-of-17 from the stripe. In addition to his prolific scoring night, Giannis would haul in 13 rebounds, dish out six assists to just one turnover, and grab a steal in his 37-and-a-half minutes of action.

Antetokounmpo has been on another planet during this series as his Game 2 stat line was similar to last night’s effort, putting up 42 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. He has been flat-out dominant throughout these first two games, and his heroic efforts have helped him join some elite company after last night’s meeting with back-to-back 40-point double-doubles.

This comes just over a week after there were doubts whether or not Antetokounmpo would play again this postseason after that grueling knee injury. Not only has the two-time MVP battled through it thus far, but he has elevated his game so mightily that he continues etching his name in the history books amongst some of the greatest to ever suit up.