Milwaukee Bucks 105-118 Phoenix Suns: 5 Hits and flops as Chris Paul and co. take 1-0 lead in the 2021 NBA Finals

#3 Hit: Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)

Devin Booker attacks in transition

Devin Booker led the offensive charge for the Phoenix Suns in the opening quarter and gave the Milwaukee Bucks plenty of problems. Booker didn't have any trouble penetrating the paint and he was money from mid-range to start the game. He got to the charity stripe often as well, tallying 12 points in the first quarter.

Book things 💥 pic.twitter.com/8n0tRR40VJ

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 7, 2021

Devin Booker took a backseat the rest of the way as his running mate Chris Paul dominated proceedings. Booker managed to chip in with timely buckets, though, and scored five crucial points in the fourth quarter after the Milwaukee Bucks had cut their deficit to seven points. Booker finished with 27 points, six assists and three steals.

#4 Flop: Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks)

Jrue Holiday #21

Jrue Holiday was not in his element tonight against the Phoenix Suns. He managed to create good looks for his Milwaukee Bucks teammates and managed nine assists, but he struggled immensely from the field. Holiday finished the game with just 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting.

The biggest letdown, though, came on the defensive end. Jrue Holiday wasn't to blame when Brook Lopez was getting picked on by the Phoenix Suns during switches. But Holiday failed to be effective even when the Milwaukee Bucks employed drop coverage.

He had a tough time getting through screens and just did not do enough to pressure the ball-handler as a trailer. Holiday had a plus-minus rating of -16 for this game.

#5 Hit: Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns)

Deandre Ayton finishes a layup

Deandre Ayton played his part to perfection today for the Phoenix Suns. He set bulky screens and rolled to the rim to catch lobs that came his way on offense. Ayton established his authority inside the paint to finish with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting.

Ayton also dominated the glass on both ends of the court. He was able to box out everyone besides Giannis Antetokounmpo with ease and finished with 19 boards. Ayton's tenacity also allowed him to thrive defensively without getting into foul trouble.

Players with 20+ PTS, 15+ REB, 80+ FG% in a Finals game in the shot clock era (since 1955):Bill RussellKareem Abdul-JabbarWilt ChamberlainDeandre Ayton pic.twitter.com/r6ARRXeanx

— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 7, 2021

Deandre Ayton became the first player to record at least 15 points and 15 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut since Tim Duncan did it in 1999 with the San Antonio Spurs.

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