Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory in pivotal Game 6 versus Phoenix Suns
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks need an encore from their leading trio in Game 6 vs. the Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee’s Big 3 has not always clicked simultaneously during these playoffs, but Saturday night’s Game 5 was undoubtedly their best outing together yet.
The trio of Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and Khris Middleton combined for 88 points, 20 rebounds, and 24 assists in the victory, working like a well-oiled machine. When these three are playing that well together, the Bucks are a challenging team to beat. With a chance to clinch their first title in over 50 years on the line, the Bucks will need their top three playing with a similar intensity level to bolster their chances.
Antetokounmpo has been having an outright dominant series, and he will certainly be motivated to keep that ball rolling. However, all eyes will be heavily focused on Middleton and Holiday, who have battled with inconsistency throughout this series. Holiday’s previous two contests are a direct example of this as he had a poor Game 4 by scoring 13 points on 4-of-20 shooting, but bounced back with 27 points on 12-of-20 shooting in Game 5. Another night like the latter would be a massive lift for the Bucks, as Holiday’s scoring is lethal when he has the hot hand and plays aggressively with the basketball.
The same can be said for Middleton, who has been through the highs with a 40-point performance in Game 4 and the lows with an 11-point performance in Game 2. He had a stellar outing on the road in Game 5 with 29 points on 52.2 percent field goal shooting, and hopefully he can keep this newfound momentum on the offensive end rolling. Middleton’s prowess as a three-level scorer is well known, and the team will need it on display in this Game 6.
Playing back at home in front of this vibrant Milwaukee crowd should help inspire these three more than they already are. With a chance to finish things off following a resounding effort in a comeback win in Game 5, the Big 3 should be energized to give it everything they have once more in their most important game this season.
Next. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s remarkable postseason defensive performances. dark
The Bucks and Suns will square off in Game 6 tonight at Fiserv Forum, and be sure to catch the must-see action at 8:00 p.m. CST on ABC.