Giannis, Bucks get boost at home, rout Suns in Game 3 of NBA Finals

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks got a huge boost in their return home as they trounced the Phoenix Suns, 120-100, to inch back closer in the 2021 NBA Finals.

Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP, led the way with 41 points alongside 13 rebounds and six assists as the Bucks won for the first time in the series.

Milwaukee trails Phoenix, 2-1, in the best-of-seven affair.

Jrue Holiday added 21 points and nine assists while Khris Middleton added 18 markers, seven boards, and six assists.

Chris Paul led the Suns with 19 points and nine assists.

The Bucks had some telling runs in the second quarter, starting with a 9-0 run – seven of those from Antetokounmpo – that turned a three-point deficit into a six-point lead, 44-38. They would later stamp their dominance on the period by closing out with 10 unanswered points to take 60-45 lead into the halftime break.

Antetokounmpo had 18 points in the first half but was even better to start the third quarter, scoring his team’s first nine points as he fought to keep the Bucks ahead.

Phoenix battled back to within six, 82-76, on a Jae Crowder three-pointer before Milwaukee locked it down the rest of the way. The Bucks went on a 16-0 run to finish the period while holding the Suns scoreless over the last 3:43 of the third.

The Bucks led 98-76 at the end of three before cruising to the win.

—JMB, GMA News