3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ tough loss to Phoenix Suns

The Milwaukee Bucks’ Big 3 produced mixed results in the loss to Phoenix Suns

The Bucks entered last night with a 23-5 record when their Big 3 all suit up this season, showing just how great they have been. Unfortunately, a loss was added to that statistic as the Suns took down the Bucks with an authoritative victory.

It was a mixed performance from the group, with Jrue Holiday leading the way with 21 points on 7-of-12 (58.3 percent) shooting, including 3-of-4 (75 percent) from deep. The guard found a nice scoring rhythm all night long, attacking the Suns at the basket while also stretching the floor by knocking down several triples. He also added four assists, but his three turnovers were less than impressive. Still, it was good to see him find a shooting groove amidst the loss.

Khris Middleton tied Holiday for a team-high 21 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-15 (60 percent) from the field. Most of that damage came from inside the arc as the forward shot an ugly 1-of-6 from long range. One may have liked to see him be more aggressive, but it was a solid game for the All-Star nevertheless.

Meanwhile, it was a tough night for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored just 18 points on a less than stellar 5-of-14 (35.7 percent) from the field. Learning from last year’s NBA Finals, the Suns hounded the Greek Freak at every opportunity, making life difficult for him. Their aggressiveness earned Antetokounmpo 14 shots at the foul line, but it was a tough night for him there as he hit just eight of them. Yet, he did hand out eight assists as he looked to get his teammates involved while he was being swarmed. It would have been many more if he teammates knocked down a few more shots, but that is neither here nor there.

With a 23-6 record on the year, the Bucks are still incredibly good when the trio plays together this season. Following yesterday’s deadline, Milwaukee may have the best Big 3 in all of basketball, and this loss should not deter that line of thinking.

The Bucks will now have a few days off as they will not play again until this coming Monday when the Portland Trail Blazers come to town. It will be great to be back in Fiserv Forum, and be sure to catch the action at 7:00 p.m. CST.