THE Milwaukee Bucks managed to narrow their deficit in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals series with the Phoenix Suns last time around and are now looking to build on the gains they have achieved in trying to pull even.
Led by their do-it-all superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks defeated the Suns (120-100) in Game Three of the NBA Finals on Monday (Manila time) to cut Phoenix’s series lead, 2-1. They trek back to Game Four on Thursday in Milwaukee with an eye on tying the series at two games apiece and seizing the moment.
Their recent showing has Mr. Antetokounmpo upbeat and liking their chances heading into their next game.
“We got better from Game One to Game Two. And now, we got better from Game Two to Game Three. We’ve got to keep building. Keep trusting one another. Keep trusting winning habits. Keep making winning plays. Keep competing hard and keep doing it together,” said the former back-to-back NBA most valuable player in the post-Game Three press conference, the transcript of which was shared to BusinessWorld.
“Hopefully, we can do that and keep doing that. I feel like in every series, that’s what we did as a team and hopefully, we have the opportunity to do the same this time. I don’t know if we are going to do it, but that’s our goal as a team,” he added.
Mr. Antetokounmpo had another solid performance in Game Three, which saw him tallying 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. It was the second straight game that he finished with 40 or more points in the series after the 42 he had in Game Two.
The Bucks used a strong push in the middle quarters to build a safe distance between them and the Suns en route to booking their first victory in the series.
Guard Jrue Holiday finished with 21 points and nine assists for Milwaukee in the win, with Khris Middleton adding 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Chris Paul led Phoenix with 19 points, to go along with nine assists. DeAndre Ayton and Jae Crowder each had 18 points. All-Star Devin Booker finished with 10 points.
Game Four of the NBA Finals can be seen on television on Thursday over TV5 and NBA TV Philippines beginning at 9 a.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
