5 reasons why Phoenix Suns won 118-105 against Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of 2021 NBA Finals

#3 Living at the line

Devin Booker #1 brings the ball up court against Jrue Holiday #21

The Phoenix Suns had a whopping 10 free-throw advantage in the game, making 25 of 26 shots from the line compared to just 9 of 16 by the Milwaukee Bucks.

It all started with Devin Booker, who got to the line early and often, making 8 of 8 in the first half alone.

Moreover, the Phoenix Suns didn’t miss a free throw until Jae Crowder squandered the second of two with less than 25 seconds remaining in the game.

#4 Excellent ball movement against Milwaukee Bucks

The Phoenix Suns moved the ball with quick and sharp passes that left the Milwaukee Bucks scrambling on defense. The Bucks are one of the top defensive teams in both the regular season and the playoffs, but the Suns kept them on their toes with their excellent ball movement.

#UnbelievablePlay from Cameron Payne to drive and scoop it in! #NBAFinals PHX up 7, 7:10 left on ABC pic.twitter.com/TrY29coWJX

— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2021

No one from the Suns attacked the basket or took a shot unless they were wide open.

Part of the Bucks’ problem with containing the ball was caused by the previously mentioned switches on Lopez. Paul and Booker either took the shot themselves against Lopez or executed plays off the mismatch.

#5 Phoenix Suns’ Big 3 dominate

Chris Paul #3 runs back after a basket

Though not necessarily seen as a Big 3, the Phoenix Suns’ three best players had sensational outings in their first appearance in the NBA Finals.

Aside from Paul’s stellar performance, Booker was just as important to the Suns’ cause. The sweet-shooting marksman scored 16 of his 27 points in the first half, and his aggressiveness from tip-off to the final buzzer seemed to catch the Milwaukee Bucks off-guard.

DEVIN BOOKER’s 1st half16 PTS | 4 AST | 2 STLpic.twitter.com/4Amxn3mv24

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 7, 2021

Ayton was also a surprise for the Phoenix Suns. The third-year man from Arizona had 22 points and 19 rebounds, easily outplaying Milwaukee Bucks counterpart Lopez in the paint and in transition.

Though he couldn’t completely stop Lopez, who netted 17 points and six rebounds, his strong play in the paint allowed the Suns to get a 44-42 edge in points.

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