Bucks 123 vs 119 Suns: scores, summary, stats, highlights | NBA Finals Game 5
The Milwaukee Bucks are a game away from their second NBA Championship in franchise history after topping the Phoenix Suns in a thrilling Game 5. The Bucks big three had their best collective game of the postseason at the perfect time, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way scoring 32 points in the 123-119 victory.
In each of the first four games defense was a key factor in the outcome, but in Game 5 it was evident from early on that Saturday night’s game would be a shootout. Each of the losing teams in the open games barley brushed 100 points, but the Suns set the tone from the tip with a big first quarter.
Suns start hot, but slip in second quarter
Phoenix took advantage of some sloppy Bucks ball handling in the opening quarter to jump out to an early 16 point lead. Milwaukee turned the ball over five times, as many as they had in all of Game 4, in the opening seven minutes. The Suns used a streak of ten straight made field goals to jump out to a 32-16 lead. The home side went 14 of 19 from the field to start the game and lead by 37-21 at the end of twelve minutes.
The Bucks erased the double digit lead almost immediately after the quarter change with a 16-3 run. Jrue Holiday chose the perfect night to have his biggest game of the postseason, and it all started with a 14 point second quarter. Holiday’s huge second tied a career high for points scored in a quarter. It took Milwaukee just over six minutes bounce back and take lead from the Suns, who struggled to find good shots after their red hot start.
Holiday's heroic Game 5
The Bucks used a 43 point quarter to go into the halftime break with the lead. The Suns had three players in double digits at the break, but Holiday led the way through the first two quarters with 18 points.
Khris Middleton and Devin Booker went blow-for-blow to start the second half as both scored double digits in the the first six minutes of the third quarter. The Bucks used a 12-4 run to stretch the lead to double digits having scored 100 points going into the fourth.
Suns came back from 14 down in fourth
Milwaukee led by as many as 14 in the fourth, but Phoenix fought back. Chris Paul and Devin Booker made one last charge to close the gap to one with 37 seconds to go, but for the second straight game a monumental defensive play made the difference late in the game.
The Suns had the ball with a chance to take the lead, but Holiday’s strip of Booker led to an alley oop jam by Giannis who got fouled by Paul with just 13.5 to go in the last quarter. The Greek missed the free throw, but the offensive rebound was collected by Khris Middleton. Middleton hit a free throw to make it a two possession game and Milwaukee closed out the game to take their first lead in the series.
Bucks Big Three click at perfect moment
The Bucks trio scored 88 of the 123 Bucks points. Giannis led the way with 32 points, and nine rebounds, while Middleton dropped 29. Holiday posted his best stat line of the playoffs with 27 points and 13 assists, not to mention his game winning steal.
Devin Booker had a second straight 40 point performance and only committed two turnovers, but his last giveaway was the difference maker that led to the Giannis alley oop. Paul followed up 21 and 11 assists, and Ayton had 20 and 10 rebounds, but the Suns fell short in their comeback bid.
Milwaukee a game away from the title
The Bucks improved to 6-6 on the road this postseason, but came up with the all important away win to give themselves a chance to win the title on their home floor. Milwaukee has only lost one game at the Fiserv Forum and will return Tuesday night with a chance to close out the series.
The Bucks can win their first NBA Championship since 1971 in Game 6. Tip off from Wisconsin is set for 9 pm ET.
The Milwaukee Bucks are a game away from their second NBA Championship in franchise history after topping the Phoenix Suns in a thrilling Game 5. The Bucks big three had their best collective game of the postseason at the perfect time, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way scoring 32 points in the 123-119 victory.
In each of the first four games defense was a key factor in the outcome, but in Game 5 it was evident from early on that Saturday night’s game would be a shootout. Each losing in the open games barley brushed 100 points, but the Suns set the tone from the tip with a big first quarter.
Suns start hot, but slip in second quarter
Phoenix took advantage of some sloppy Bucks ball handling in the opening quarter to jump out to an early 16 point lead. Milwaukee turned the ball over five times, as many as they had in all of Game 4, in the opening seven minutes. The Suns used a streak of ten straight made field goals to jump out to a 32-16 lead. The home side hit 14 of 19 field goals to start the game and lead by 37-21 at the end of twelve minutes.
The Bucks erased the double digit lead almost immediately after the quarter change with a 16-3 run. Jrue Holiday choose the perfect night to have his biggest game of the post season, and it all started with a 14 point second quarter. Jrue Holiday’s huge second tied a career high for points scored in a quarter. It took Milwaukee just over six minutes bounce back and take lead from the Suns, who struggled to find good shots after their red hot start.
Holiday's heroic Game 5
The Bucks used a 43 point quarter to go into the halftime break with the lead. The Suns had three players in double digits at the break, but Holiday led the way through the first two quarters with 18 points.
Khris Middleton and Devin Booker went blow-for-blow to start the second half as both scored double digits in the the first six minutes of the third quarter. The Bucks used a 12-4 run to stretch the lead to double digits having scored 100 points going into the fourth.
Suns came back from 14 down in fourth
Milwaukee led by as many as 14 in the fourth, but Phoenix fought back. Chris Paul and Devin Booker made one last charge to close the gap to one with 37 seconds to go, but for the second straight game a monumental defensive play made the difference late in the game.
The Suns had the ball with a chance to take the lead, but Holiday’s strip of Booker led to an alley oop jam by Giannis who got fouled by Paul with just 13.5 to go in the last quarter. The Greek missed the free throw, but the offensive rebound was collected by Khris Middleton. Middleton hit a free throw to make it a two possession game and Milwaukee closed out the game to take their first lead in the series.
Bucks Big Three click at perfect moment
The Bucks trio scored 88 of the 123 Bucks points. Giannis led the way with 32 points, and nine rebounds, while Middleton dropped 29. Holiday posted his best stat line of the playoffs with 27 points and 13 assists, not to mention his game winning steal.
Devin Booker had a second straight 40 point performance and only committed two turnovers, but his last giveaway was the difference maker that led to the Giannis alley oop. Paul followed up 21 and 11 assists, and Ayton had 20 and 10 rebounds, but the Suns fell short in their comeback bid.
Milwaukee a game away from the title
The Bucks improved to 6-6 on the road this postseason, but came up with the all important away win to give themselves a chance to win the title on their home floor. Milwaukee has only lost one game at the Fiserv Forum and will return Tuesday night with a chance to close out the series.
The Bucks can win their first NBA Championship since 1971 in Game 6. Tip off from Wisconsin is set for 9 pm ET.
It's all over from Phoenix!!! The Bucks win on the road and are a game away from their second NBA Title in franchise history.
Timeout Suns with 9.8 to go in the fourth quarter.
Offensiver rebound collected by Middleton on the back tap from Giannis. Middleton goes to the line and hits one of two.
Giannis on the alley oop after the Holiday steal. Holiday found the Greek in transtion and Paul commits the foul. Giannis to the lineand misses with 13.5
Timeout Bucks with 5 of the shot clock and 37.8 to go in the regulation.
Paul on the drive and finish in the lane.
Giannis misses the second!
Giannis to the line after the Paul foul. First FT is no good, and the Suns take a timeout before the second one with 1:09 to go in the game.
Booker with a fall away three and we have a three point game!!!!
1:45 to go in the fourth quarter.
Booker gets the finger roll to go.
MIddleton with an impossible step back three with a hand in his face.
Ayton fouled by Middleton with 2:43 remaining. Ayton hits two of two from the line.
Paul drains a three from the top of the key
MIddleton with the pull up jumper and Crowder is called on the foul. FT is good for Middleton to complete the three point play.
Under 4 minutes to go in the fourth.
Under 5 to go
Gianniis to the line after the Booker foul. Giannis hits one of two.
Paul hits the fader over Giannis outside the lane.
The refs uphold the foul call on Ayton. Milwaukee will inbound the ball out of the timeout.
5:44 to go in the fourth. A foul against Ayton is being reviewed after it looked like Giannis stepped out of bounds. The question is was the foul before he stepped on the baseline?
Bridges with a spot up three, he's 5 for 5 from the field, with 3 threes.
Giannis with the drive, finger roll and the foul. Ayton called for the foul and Giannis hits the FT.
Booker on the reverse lay up in transition. He's got 35
Giannis from high off the glass in the middle of the lane.
Paul from the top of the key for three! Timeout Milwaukee with 7:48 to go in the fourth quarter.
Bridges for three in the corner.
8:50 to go in the fourth
Holiday gets the loose ball after almost losing it and finishes with a floater.
MIddleton on the turn around baseline jumper
Booker on the drive gets the finger roll and the foul. FT is no good
10 minutes to go in the fourth.
Giannis on the tip slam after the Tucker miss on the floater.
Booker with a spot mid range jumper.
Giannis with a turn around jumper from the baseline.
Booker scored 14, and for a few minutes he and Middleton looked like they were in a game of one on one.
MIddleton had a quick start to the second half with 9 points, and finished with 11 in the quarter.
The Bucks followed up their 43 point second quarter with a 36-29 third quarter
The third quarter comes to a close with the Bucks in command.
Connaughton fouled by Ayton, goes to the line and hits two of two. He's got 14
Ayton hits a short jumper in the paint after the Payne assist.
Under a minute to go in the third quarter.
Booker with a drive and finish at the rim.
Lopez down low off the dish from Holiday.
Johnson strings a catch and release three
Holiday on the fall away from outside the paint.
Timeout Bucks with 3:09 to go in the third quarter.
Payne with a short range effort from the left side.
Giannis gets the bucket on the drive
3:32 to go in the third quarter.
Giannis with a long two from the top of the key.
Ayton down low again after another Paul assist
Giannis in the lane with the floater.
Ayton inside off the Paul assist.
Connaughton drains a corner three
Paul comes out of the timeout with a jumper in the lane.
Giannis gets the turn around jump hook to go and the Suns need a timeout trailing by 10 with 5:42 to go in the third.
Holiday drains the transition three ball.
Holiday drains the transition three ball.
MIddleton down low off the feed from Giannis.
Tucker fouls Booker, who hits two of two from the line. Booker has 12, Middleton 9
Holiday hits the pull up from the baseline.
Booker gets to the paint and finishes down low.
Middleton hits a 15 foot jumper and he's got 9 points already in the quarter.
Booker hits a pull up from 10 feet
MIddleton with a couple buckets in a row.
Booker bites back with a 20 foot jumper.
MIddleton pulls up from outside the lane.
Bridges from with the mid range jumper on the right side.
Lopez wide open for three on the right side.
Booker spots up from inside the arc.
MIddleton responds with a three ball to stretch the lead to four
Booker hits a long step back jumper for the openint points of the third quarter.
We are back in play in Phoenix for the second half of action in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Booker has 15 to lead the Suns. Ayton dropped 12 and Crowder has 10. Paul has 9 and 6 assists.
Holiday leads all scorers with 18 in the first half. Giannis has 12 and Middleton has 9.
A 7-0 run to start the second quarter triggered a 16-3 spurt that brought the Bucks back to life.
The Bucks outscored the Suns 43-24 in the second quarter after being dominated 37-21 in the first.
The first half comes to a close, and what a response it was from the Bucks in the second quarter.
Paul absorbs the contact and finishes at the rim for the final bucket of the half.
MIddleton finds Giannis on the lob, and the Bucks have their largest lead of the game.
Giannis goes to the line and hits two of two.
Holiday spots up from downtown!!! Holiday has 18 points.
Ayton off the pick and roll finishes after the feed from Payne.
Holiday gets the roll on the runner.
Payne with the runner moving through the paint from left to right.
Tucker drills the open three from the corner.
Timeout Bucks with 3:26 to go in the second quarter.
Booker driving inside and gets the left handed finger roll to go.
Payne gets his own rebound and put back off his missed floater.
MIddleton with a drive and floater
5:17 to go in the first half.
Booker to the line after the Tucker foul, hits two of two.
Portis in the corner for three, and the Bucks have the lead!!
Portis drops the bucket and gets the foul on the drive. FT is good
Paul hits a step back jumper
Johnson with the long ball from three point range.
Middleton responds from long range, but his foot was on the line.
Johnson with the long ball from three point range.
Crowder dashes down the lane and gets the finger roll to go.
Connaughton with a three ball, his third of the game and we are tied!!!
Holiday with the jumper
Ayton with the offensive rebound and put back. He's got 10
Middleton with a mid range baseline jumper
Portis with a corner three and it's a five point game.
Timeout Suns with 9:31 to go in the second quarter.
Lopez all alone in transition after the Bucks steal leads to easy fast break points
Holiday with the scoop lay up from the right side with the left hand.
Paul hits an open three from the right side.
Holiday spots up from three point range. 7-0 run out of the gate in the second quarter for the Bucks
Holiday streaks down the lane and finishes with the left handed lay up.
Lopez his the running floater through the lane.
Giannis has 8 points on 4 of 6 shooting through the first 12 minutes.
Booker has 11, Crowder and Ayton both have 8 for the Suns through the first quarter.
Phoenix shot 14-19 in the first quarter, shooting 73.7 from the field and 5 of 6 from three point range.
The first quarter comes to an end, and what a first 12 minutes it was. The Suns came out on fire. T
Craig drains a three ball in the corner.
Booker drops a long two in the left corner.
Connaughton this time from the other corner. He's 2 for 2 to start his day hebind the line.
Giannis breaks through a double team and gets the bucket and the foul. Foul on Craig, Giannis barley brushes the front of the rim on the FT.
Timeout Bucks with 2:58 to go in the first quarter.
Bridges nails a wide open three from the top of the key.
Giannis called for the goaltend on the Bridges lay up, even though after the replay the play looked clean.
Giannis goes to the line, and misses both FTs
Ayton back to the line after Middleton picks up his first, both FTs are good.
A Suns steal led to a Booker dunk, but becuase it's so loud in the Footprint Center the whistle couldn't be heard on the foul against Tucker, which negates the Booker jam.
Booker gets the short range jumper, and the Suns have hit 10 straight shots.
Ayton on the alley oop from Paul.
Giannis goes right at Ayton and finishes around the rim.
Booker on the step back three ball, he's got 21, and they have hit 8 FGs in a row.
Connaughton hits a three in the left corner to get his scoring started.
Booker hits the pull up in traffic from the elbow.
Paul gets the floater for his opening bucket of the game.
Holiday hits the step back jumper from the baseline out of the TO.
Crowder down the lane and hammers a big jam home 9-14. Timeout Milwaukee with 7:33 to go in the first quarter.
Crowder drains another three ball!!
MIddleton drains a three ball for his first points of the game.
Giannis goes up and under the defense on the baseline.
Booker speeds past everyone and finishes off the glass with the lay up.
Ayton back to work down low off the Paul assist.
Giannis finds a loose rebound in the paint and gets the floater in the lane.
Crowder hits the three after the hesitation and step back.
Ayton to the line after a foul on Lopez, hits two of two.
Holiday with the opening bucket of the game, pulling up from mid range.
We are underway in Game 5 of the NBA Finals from the Footprint Arena.
According to Bet365.com the Suns are a 3.5 point favorite coming into Game 5 with the Over/Under set at 219.5
Monty Williams knows the Suns have to do a better job taking care of the ball after giving up 17 turnovers and being heavliy outrebounded last game.
We are just minutes away from tip of to Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
The Suns statdium name was changed on Friday after a deal was struck between the club and Environmental tech company Footprint. The stadium will now be called the Footprint Center
MIke Budenholzer was as calm as ever in his pregame press conference after erasing a 2-0 defiict.
Phoenix head coach Monty Williams doesn't want his players to forget the journey that got them to this point
Paul knows home court won't be enough to seal the Game 5 win, "Obviously this is our home court and in front of our home fans, but that's not going to be enough to win this game," said the point guard. "We have to come out and execute and play the way we're capable of."
Devin Booker bounced back after nightmare shooting display in Game 3, with 42 points on Wednesday night, but it wasn't enough for a Phoenix team that saw Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton combine for 16 points.
In three of the four games the Bucks have produced 40 point perforances. Giannis did it in Game 2 and 3, and Middleton did it in Game 4.
Giannis has led the way all series, all playoffs and all season long, but it was Khris Middleton who put the Bucks on his back in Game 5 scoring 40 points. in the six point win.
The Suns have won 8 of 10 home games this post season. They lost to the Lakers in Game 2 of the opening round and to the Clippers in Game 5.
"When you focus on the past, that's your ego talking. When you focus on the future, that's your pride." Maybe the quote of the year from Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been in unbelivable form all playoffs long, but may have had the play of the postseason late last game.
The Bucks averaged 114.5 points per game at home, but what really made the difference was defense. They were the leagues top scoring team in the regular season, but in the post season they have been doing it with defense. Milwaukee gave up just 101.5 points in the two games in Fiserv Forum
The Bucks averaged just 106.5 point per game in the opening games in Phoenix, while the Suns scored 118 in both games.
Niether team has won on the road in this series, but Milwaukee will be looking to break that trend tonight.
Hello everyone and welcome to Phoenix for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Tip off is less than an hour away, and the winner of tonight's game will be just a game away from lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Hello everyone and welcome to Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns. AS English will keep you up to date with live coverage, stats, statistics, scores and highlights to tonight’s battle from Phoenix Suns Arena
The NBA Finals is knotted up at two games a piece going into Game 5 after both teams held strong on their home court. The series shifts west once more for Saturday night’s contest where one team will end the night just a game away from the NBA Title.
This is the second time in this year’s post season the Milwaukee Bucks have clawed their way back to tie the series after starting 0-2 on the road. The first time they found themselves in an 0-2 hole they took the Nets to Game 7 and outlasted Brooklyn in overtime on the road.
The Phoenix Suns led for almost the entire 48 minutes of Game 4 in Milwaukee, but let their advantage slip in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter. Devin Booker made up for an off night in Game 3 with a superb outing on Wednesday. The Suns top scorer exploded for 42 points, but got little assistance from Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton who combined for just 16 points.
Giannis, and his miraculously healed hyperextended left knee, is the reason the Bucks have had the year they have had, the postseason they have had, and the series they have had, but it was Khris Middleton who stole the show in the last game in Milwaukee. Middleton went for 40, including an 8-0 personal run and 10 of the Bucks last 12 points to seal the win and level the series.
The series shifts to Arizona, and will we now have a best of three situation after the first four games were a wash. The Suns are looking for their first NBA Championship in franchise history, while the Bucks are hoping to take the title for the first time since 1971.