If we summarize game 3 in a single statistic, that would definitely be this:
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 14 field goals in the restricted area, and the entire Phoenix Suns team had 13. With their backs against the wall, Milwaukee went all out and now we have a series. What up everybody, my name is Stefan and this is Heat Check. Let’s get into it.
Before we get to the points inside, I just wanna say that it does help when the player you traded for to make the team better, actually contributes offensively, and does make the team better.
Jrue Holiday went 5 for 10 from downtown for a total of 21 points and 9 assists to provide support for Giannis.
You know I like to draw on the screen and telestrate and explain the actions that teams are running but at some point, it becomes a matter of making or missing a shot, and when you watch these, Holiday just made the shots he was supposed to make. Simple as that.
(1) As for Antetokounmpo, look at how deadly the Bucks are when they have him in screen and roll situations. (2) Right here in transition, the high pick, and then as he rolls, look at how deep Giannis is when he catches the ball. Devin Booker has absolutely no shot at defending this.
(3) And watch the determination here in the second half, as Middleton slips the pick, he’s open for a shot, but as the Suns switch this, the greek freak is literally like a bull seeing red. So he attacks the smaller Bridges, the beautiful eurostep and the finish.
(4) Similar to game 2, the Bucks had 54 points in the paint, a lot of which were of course because of Giannis who once again had a monster game of 41 points and 13 rebounds.
The most interesting thing however was the fact that he went 13 of 17 on free throws looking good at the line.
And speaking of free throws and fouls, NBA twitter had a lot of fun when the league announced the referees for this game.
For those of you that don’t know, Chris Paul had an infamous record of 0-11 in games refereed by Scott Foster. That number is now 0-12 of course. And looking at the 5 fouls that Deandre Ayton had, and how he was out for a big portion of the game, allowing Milwaukee to punish them inside, the Suns fans have a reason to spread conspiracy theories, that’s for sure.
But since I don’t like spending too much time discussing the calls, I’ll transition into talking about the off game that Devin Booker had. Or I should say an off series honestly.
Would you be surprised if I told you that Booker is shooting 38.3% from the field throughout the finals so far? That’s uncharacteristically bad for him.
And going 3 for 14 on the road is definitely not gonna help the team.
Sure, some possessions you have Jrue Holiday draped all over you so that’s of course a tough matchup, but then some of these were open shots that he will absolutely make.
I do feel like despite the floor spacing that he opens up for Phoenix, and the playmaking for himself and for others, Devin does need to have a big game shooting the ball. The fact that he’s way overdue for that, makes me really excited for what could come in game 4 from him.
We could analyze the details for days, but the simple fact is that the Bucks won a game they needed to win, and you could tell just by the intensity of both teams who is trailing behind in the series.
Game 4 will be an opportunity for the Suns to regroup and take a commanding 3-1 lead, while Milwaukee will look to tie it up and really make things interesting.
What do you think will happen? That’s it for now, subscribe and talk to you in the next one. Peace out.