Resiliency is a word that has often been associated with the Milwaukee Bucks throughout this hectic playoff run, and it was on display last night.
Starting Game 5 of the NBA Finals with 12 minutes consisting of erratic turnovers, questionable shot selection, and poor defense, the Bucks trailed by 16. They appeared dead in the water as the Suns looked destined to take control on their home floor, but the Bucks indeed had other plans as they stuck together and made this a game.
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After battling back thanks to a dynamic second quarter comeback, the Bucks led by three at the half. Their second half lead would grow to as large as 14, although it was cut to single digits down the stretch.
However, despite a valiant effort from the Suns in the closing moments, the Bucks would complete the comeback and win 123-119 and claim a 3-2 lead in the series. It was certainly an eventful contest, and here are three significant takeaways.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns trade 3-pointers in wild Game 5
The Bucks and Suns have both had their struggles from 3-point range in this series, but that was certainly not the case in last night’s Game 5.
Shooting a highly efficient 13-of-19 from deep, the Suns were shooting the lights out for most of the night. Mikal Bridges and Chris Paul each knocked in three triples apiece, while Devin Booker, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Johnson hit two, and former Buck Torrey Craig rounded out the total by hitting one. When the opposing team shoots an impressive 68.4 percent from behind the arc, it is virtually a death sentence for the Bucks. However, that obviously was not the case in Game 5 as they managed to survive the onslaught by having a good shooting night themselves.
The Bucks would fire back by knocking down 14 triples in 28 attempts, having one of their better shooting games in recent memory. They were led by Pat Connaughton, who knocked down four triples as he continues to have a massive impact in this series off the bench, which will be hit on in just a moment. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, who will also be discussed in further detail had it going from the outside as they chipped in three triples each. Bobby Portis finally found his outside touch and hit two triples off the bench, while Brook Lopez and P.J. Tucker contributed one each.
Seeing the Bucks survive a game where their opponent shoots that well from deep is certainly something to behold, made only sweeter given their own shooting numbers.