Phoenix @ Milwaukee preview
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Last Meeting ( Feb 10, 2022 ) Milwaukee 107, Phoenix 131
The Milwaukee Bucks will look to win their fourth consecutive game on Sunday afternoon when they host the Phoenix Suns in a rematch of last season's NBA Finals.
After dropping back-to-back games against the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets sandwiching the All-Star break, Milwaukee has won their past three following a 118-112 road win over the Bulls on Friday night. Despite a rough third quarter, the Bucks peaked late, outscoring Chicago 18-10 over the final 5:13.
Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in a game-high 34 points, 16 rebounds and five assists on 12-for-22 shooting to record his seventh straight double-double.
Jrue Holiday contributed 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists as Khris Middleton supplied 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
"Obviously (Chicago's) having a phenomenal year and it just takes so much effort just to make it hard on them so credit to a lot of guys," Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer said. "Hopefully all of that adds up, and keeping them off of the free-throw line was big."
Antetokounmpo has been dominant during his double-double streak, averaging 32.7 points, 14.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists over the past seven games. He has also scored at least 25 points in 27 of his past 28 games.
Although he will miss Sunday's game, Brook Lopez is making progress toward his return from back surgery and will begin 5-on-5 five scrimmaging, according to The Athletic.
Pat Connaughton remains sidelined after getting surgery on the fractured fourth metacarpal on his right hand, and George Hill is still out with a neck injury.
Phoenix is coming off of one of its most exciting wins of the season, defeating the Knicks 115-114 on Friday night.
The Suns trailed by 14 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter and stormed all the way back. Cameron Johnson banked in a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.
"I was kind of ahead but in the pack, so I slowed down and got behind him (Cam Payne) and he did a pitch back, which we do a lot," Johnson said. "I looked at the clock, so I had enough time before I caught it, and just tried to let it go."
Johnson led all scorers with a career-high 38 points off the bench on 11-of-16 shooting. Mikal Bridges tallied 20, and Payne added 17 along with 16 assists. Jae Crowder chipped in 14 points, seven of which came in the fourth quarter.
With some of Phoenix's biggest names out, Johnson has stepped up as of late, scoring in double figures in each of the past six games. He is averaging 21.8 points during that span.
Devin Booker will be out against Milwaukee after entering the health and safety protocol on Wednesday, and Chris Paul is inactive as he deals with an avulsion fracture of his right thumb.
Frank Kaminsky is also out as he awaits a re-evaluation of his knee.
Sunday marks the second and final meeting between the Bucks and Suns this season. Phoenix came out on top in the first contest, earning a 131-107 win on Feb. 10 behind 27 points from Deandre Ayton.
--Field Level Media