The NBA Finals are heating up, with both franchises believing that they have an excellent chance of taking home the championship. The series moves back to Phoenix for game five on Saturday evening, but will it be the Bucks or Suns that take the advantage in the series?
Bucks @ Suns Schedule
- When: Saturday, 17th July
- Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena
- How To Watch: NBA League Pass
Bucks @ Suns Preview
Bucks Back From 2-0 Down
The Milwaukee Bucks would have been forgiven for thinking that their NBA hopes could have been all but over heading into game three of the series on Sunday evening. However, two straight wins in the finals mean that they are now back on level terms. It is testament to their character that they have come back from a weak position, but there is a sense now that they are targeting more than just a strong challenge this season, as they have their sights set on the prize.
Milwaukee levelled the series in game four on Wednesday evening, as they claimed a 109-103 victory over their rivals. Khris Middleton was the star on the night for the Bucks, as he scored an incredible 40 points in 43 minutes on the court. Giannis also looked back to his best in game four of the series, as he scored 28 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Three other Bucks players scored more than ten points in the victory, and they included Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Pat Connaughton.
Suns Hoping To Respond
The series moves back to Phoenix for game five of the series this weekend. The Suns have work to do if they are to get back ahead in the finals, as the surrendered their strong 2-0 advantage in games three and four. There is no doubt that the Suns have the quality to respond this weekend, especially given the talent that they have on the roster. Devin Booker was once again the star man for the Suns in Wednesday’s game four defeat, as he scored 42 points.
However, the next highest scorer was Jae Crowder, who could only manage 15 points from his time on the court. The Suns actually averaged better numbers in that defeat, as they had better success rates in the field, from beyond the arc and the free throw line. There would be a sense that they actually threw away the game, as they were within touching distance of the win going into the final quarter. However, the Bucks outscored the Suns 33-21 in the final period, which was decisive.
Bucks @ Suns Prediction
The NBA finals are balanced on a knife edge, and it is difficult to see which way the tide will turn in the next game. However, back with home advantage, we would be keen to side with the Suns, who would have taken lessons from their game four defeat and should bounce back by regaining the lead in the series.
