Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory in critical Game 5 vs. Phoenix Suns

The Milwaukee Bucks must limit the Phoenix Suns’ backcourt in Game 5

Slowing down the Suns’ electric backcourt tandem has been high on the “keys to victory” list for the Bucks from the moment this series began. With an array of talented defenders, the results have been mixed thus far, highlighted by some rather lopsided performances from Devin Booker and Chris Paul in Games 3 and 4.

In Game 3, Booker scored just 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting, struggling all night to see the ball go through the net. However, it was clear that they would not be able to keep the 24-year-old down forever, as he immediately bounced back for 42 points on 17-of-28 shooting in Game 4. He was virtually unstoppable for most of that contest, hitting tough jumpers consistently no matter which defensive guru the Bucks assigned to guard him, notably cycling through Tucker, Holiday, and Antetokounmpo.

While Booker was on a rampage, Paul would struggle offensively all night by scoring just 10 points on 13 shot attempts. The Bucks did a notable job of keeping him at bay scoring-wise, but they also continued forcing turnovers from the guard. After logging five turnovers in Game 4, Paul has now totaled 17 for the series, which is five less than he garnered throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs in total. Holiday’s defensive prowess has been essential against Paul to help create these giveaways, as seven of those turnovers have come with the First-Team All-Defensive guard as the primary defender.

Booker will hit tough shots, but the Bucks must look to combat that by making them as hard as humanly possible. They have an array of robust defenders to throw in his direction, and they will all be put to the test in trying to slow him down. As for Paul, Holiday will likely see consistent time against the veteran. While Holiday’s offense was unquestionably poor in Game 4, there is no questioning his impact defensively against Paul, which the Bucks will need him to replicate.

This game is shaping up to be must-see, and be sure to catch Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Bucks and Suns tonight at 8:00 p.m. CST on ABC.