The Milwaukee Bucks took part in their first NBA finals game in 47 years on Tuesday out west to face the Phoenix Suns. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo gutted out a knee injury in game one after being out the previous two games with a knee hyperextension, but it wouldn’t be enough in the 118-105 loss.
The teams exchanged jabs in the first quarter but it would be the Suns’ Devin Booker stealing the show, scoring 16 points and getting 4 assists in the opening frame. The first quarter ended with the Suns up 30-26 over the Bucks. The Suns were up eight at halftime 57-49 and threatening to give Milwaukee their third straight series-opening loss.
Phoenix picked their momentum back up at the beginning of the second half with a fast start. In the third quarter, the Bucks fell behind by twenty points at one point, and ended the quarter down 16. Milwaukee’s comeback efforts in the fourth quarter were unsuccessful as they would fall by 13 points.
Khris Middleton led the way for Bucks scorers with 29 points. Antetokounmpo shot 7 for 12 at the free throw line in a 20-point effort along with 17 rebounds. Brook Lopez had a 17-point night. For the Suns, Booker ended the night with 27. Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton also proved too much for the Bucks as Paul scored 32 and Ayton scored 22 in the game one victory.
The Bucks trail the Suns 1-0 in the series but get another shot on Thursday in Phoenix. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM.
