NBA Finals Update: Bucks Edge by Suns in Game 4, Tie Series

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In a Game 4 full of intense moments and plenty of ref calls, the Milwaukee Bucks won a close game against the Phoenix Suns. Tied at the half, the game remained close for the majority of the 3rd and 4th quarters. Down nine points around the middle of the 4th quarter, the Bucks were not only able to tie the game but go on a run that would see the team win by six. The Bucks were led by Khris Middleton who finished with 40 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Middleton got help from Giannis Antetokounmpo who finished with a near triple-double, dropping 26 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and dishing eight assists. Antetokounmpo and Middleton saw help from the majority of starters and the bench, with only three active players finishing with less than 10 points. While the team shot over 80 percent from the free-throw line, they had trouble from the three-point line, shooting only 24 percent. The NBA Finals are now tied at two games apiece.

On the opposing side, the Phoenix Suns have now lost back-to-back games. The series is now 2-2 with Game 5 taking place in Phoenix. The Suns were led by Devin Booker, who finished with 42 points. While he dominated shooting the ball, he struggled on the defensive end, ending the game with five fouls. Alongside Booker, Chris Paul finished with only 10 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. Compared to previous games, Chris Paul had no trips to the free-throw line.

The backcourt duo saw help from Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson but did not see much help from anyone else. Game 4 saw another down performance from Deandre Ayton, who finished the game with only six points. Game 4 is the 3rd of 4 games that saw Ayton finish with less than 10 points. While the Bucks had 29 attempts at the free-throw line, the Suns had 19, making 16 of those shots. In addition to Chris Paul, several other players from the Suns saw no attempts at the free-throw line. Game 4 also saw no playing time for Frank Kaminsky, which could’ve played a role in Ayton’s overall performance.

Game 5 will be a pivotal game in the series. Tied 2-2 after Game 4, a Game 5 loss would be bad for either team. If the Suns are able to win in Game 5, they will go back to Milwaukee leading 3-2, putting pressure on Giannis, Middleton, and the Bucks to keep their championship hopes alive. If the Suns were able to win Game 5 and lose Game 6, they would still be fortunate enough to have home-court advantage with Game 7 being in Phoenix. If the Bucks can take Game 5 in Phoenix, they will have home-court advantage going back to Milwaukee for Game 6. Game 5 will take place on Saturday night with Game 6 taking place on Tuesday.