Suns repeat over Bucks in Game 2, take 2-0 lead in NBA Finals

The Phoenix Suns took a step closer to the title after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, 118-108, in Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Finals on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

The Western Conference champions now lead the best-of-seven finals, 2-0.

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 31 points, including 7-for-12 from three-point range, alongside five rebounds and six assists. He hit three of his seven three-pointers in a crucial fourth quarter run for the Suns.

They also got big contributions from Mikal Bridges, who scored 27 points, and Chris Paul, who chipped in with 23 points and eight assists.

Two other Suns - Jae Crowder and Deaandre Ayton - finished in double figures in the game.

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 42 points, 12 rebounds and four assists to pace the Bucks, but could not get much support from his teammates in this one.

Jrue Holiday scored 17 points but shot 7-for-21 from the field while Khris Middleton finished with just 11 points, missing five of his six attempts from beyond the arc.

Pat Connaughton was the only other Buck in double-digits with 14 points off the bench.

Milwaukee stayed in front early in the first half, before Phoenix rallied in the second quarter to wrest control of the game.

The Suns went on a 15-4 run to close the period as they took a 56-45 lead at the halftime break.

Antetokounmpo came out of the break determined to bring the Bucks in the game as he rattled off 20 points in the third quarter alone, but he was matched by Booker and Paul, who helped the Suns stay ahead, 88-78, heading into the fourth.

The Bucks were able to fight back to within six points in the final period, but Booker knocked down three triples to help the Suns build the lead back up, 101-88.

Another Milwaukee run was doused by key baskets from Paul and Bridges late.

Phoenix won Game 1, 118-105, behind Paul's 32 points and Booker's 27.

—JMB, GMA News