Milwaukee vs. Phoenix: Bucks Outshine Suns, 129-108

Let a new winning streak commence. That was exactly what happened Sunday afternoon at Fiserv Forum, as the Bucks took care of business vs. the Phoenix Suns, 129-108.

Sometimes, we’ve seen the Bucks struggle to get things started on matinee games. However, that wouldn’t be the case yesterday. Aided by quick starts from Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee would open up a lead that, ultimately, they’d never relinquish. Antetokounmpo’s rebounding would be a major facet in the Bucks quickly finding a lead, as they transitioned into the second quarter with a 30-26 advantage.

Giannis would keep things going in the second. Right out of the gates, he scored a brisk five points to continue the dominance. Brook Lopez continued to make the most of his opportunities, and in the blink of an eye, Milwaukee had built up a double-digit lead. Phoenix was clearly frustrated on the defensive end of the basketball, and Milwaukee carried a 67-52 lead into the locker room.

Things were pretty bland from that point on. It was clear that the Suns weren’t going to mount any sort of a comeback, and the Bucks were able to flip into cruise control. Wrapping up the third quarter, Milwaukee found themselves up 97-80 and they’d eventually develop that into a 129-108 victory.

Once again, Giannis Antetokounmpo came extremely close to a triple-double. He’d conclude his afternoon with a 30/19/9 performance. Down the stretch, it was clear he was locked in on getting that final assist, but it never came. Khris Middleton played alongside with 25 points of his own.

Devin Booker led Phoenix with a game-high 32 points on 9-of-15 shooting.

Three Observations

Donte DiVincenzo continues to show his importance to this team.

Man, I cannot get enough of the Big Ragu. His game is so fascinating to watch. A lot of times when the Bucks are on defense, instead of watching the ball, I’ll just keep my eyes on DiVincenzo. His cuts, his anticipation, and overall sense on defense is impeccable. He truly brings so much to this team and it’s apparent every time he hits the hardwood. In his first game back since his sprained ankle injury, he tallied 13 points (including a nifty breakaway dunk). However, it wasn’t his scoring that was the highlight for me, but that continued locked-in awareness on the defensive end (especially when he broke up that alley-oop attempt). So fun to watch.

Have a game, Brook Lopez!

While he continues to struggle from 3-point land (he went just 1-of-6 from beyond the perimeter yesterday), Brook Lopez continues to be a force on defense. Phoenix was unable to get anything accomplished down low on him, as he etched nine blocked shots on the afternoon. We all know how well he’s been in this phase of the game, so it comes as a surprise to nobody. And when he’s subbed out? The Bucks have another reliable defensive option in Robin Lopez. The Lopez brothers continue to be the best center tandem in the Association and when Brook puts on a defensive outing like he did yesterday, it gets quite fun.

Khris Middleton continues to do Khris Middleton things.

K-Midd continues to be one of the most locked-in shooters in the league. The two-time All-Star continued to get buckets, this time at the expense of the Phoenix Suns. His final stat line would read 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. He’d tally those numbers on 60/60/100 shooting splits. To say that he’s hot right now is an understatement. He’s absolutely scorching. Oh, and check out this play:

Sure, Booker may have bumped into Lopez to cause him to fall, but nonetheless, Khris continues to cook.

Bonus Bucks Bits

• With their victory, the Bucks continue to be the only team in the NBA to not lose consecutive games. The Suns weren’t the ones to break it this time around!
• I’m a big fan of the Suns jerseys. One of my favorite color combos in the league. Basically, when purple is involved in a sports uniform, I’m a fan. Unless it’s the Vikings.
• This is sort of random, but I’m throwing it in there since this is the Suns. One of my favorite sports teams to watch growing up was the Steve Nash Suns. Man, was that team thrilling. Nash, A’mare Stoudemire, Raja Bell, and more made that team so compelling. I really wished they won a title. However, they did in my NBA Live 06 season!
• Jalen Lecque got some time out on the court. Just the night before, he unleashed these two wild dunks in the G-League:

One word...filthy.

• At one point, Tariq Owens (a G-League callup) was put on Giannis. I had never even heard of the guy. Just imagine being in his shoes and going up against the reigning MVP. Sheesh.
• Last, speaking of shoes, check out Giannis’ kicks. These may be my favorite ones he’s worn this season. Straight fire.