Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory in crucial Game 4 vs. Phoenix Suns
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks need consistent production from their supporting cast in Game 4 vs. Phoenix Suns
As fantastic as Giannis Antetokounmpo has been in these NBA Finals, he ultimately cannot stage a comeback for the Bucks on his own. The contributions from the supporting cast have been hit or miss throughout these first three games, with Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton being two names that immediately come to mind.
Holiday got off to an incredibly slow start throughout the first two games, struggling mightily to put points on the board. However, the guard flipped the script in Game 3 by scoring 21 points on 57.1 percent shooting from the floor while handing out nine assists. Holiday’s performance was highlighted by knocking down five 3-pointers after hitting just one over the first two games. He found a groove, and the Bucks will need him to keep these efforts consistent. Taking smart shots, facilitating, and playing robust defense are all things the Bucks will need from Holiday to keep the ball rolling.
As for Middleton, the Bucks are still waiting for him to have a breakthrough in this series that fans are accustomed to seeing. He scored 29 points in Game 1, but it took 26 shot attempts, and he followed that up with an abysmal 11 point performance in Game 2. The forward finally found a sense of a rhythm in Game 3 by scoring 18 points as he took a backseat to Antetokounmpo and Holiday, but the team will need more in this Game 4. Middleton’s scoring prowess needs little rehashing, but consistency is an issue that has plagued the team throughout this playoff run. Tending to play his best basketball at home, all eyes will be on Middleton tonight.
Other names to keep an eye on will be Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton, who have all played their individual roles well in this series. All three can score the ball and provide some solid defense, both of which the Bucks will need to support the Big 3. If they can come in and hit some threes, grab some boards, or play some serviceable defense, it would be a massive boost to help Milwaukee on their home floor.