4 Studs and 2 duds from the Milwaukee Bucks' convincing win over Phoenix Suns

Stud - Damian Lillard

Similarly to the Bucks' win over the LA Clippers a few weeks back, Lillard was expected to take the lead with Giannis out, and once again he did just that. The guard has stated he has found it tough at times in Milwaukee with it being the first time in his career he has had another star alongside him. This game he showed what he can do when he takes on the lead role in the offense.

He finished the game with 31 points on 52.6 percent shooting and hit four of his eight shots from beyond the arc. Add to that four rebounds and 16 assists and Dame made Milwaukee Bucks history as the first Buck to score 30-plus points and 15-plus assists in a game.

Defensively, he has stepped up recently, and he held strong in this one. On multiple occasions, he found himself diving on the floor in an attempt to force a turnover. His highlight of the game was a huge buzzer beater three at the end of the third quarter that squashed the Suns' run and had the Bucks up by 15 heading into the final quarter.

It was a superb team performance, and Lillard led by example. That was what the Bucks needed in a really tough game following the West Coast trip that saw them take a couple heavy defeats. With Middleton back, the Bucks will be a real threat with Giannis playing at an MVP level and Lillard continuing to put in these kinds of stellar performances.