By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Chris Paul posted game-highs 32 points and nine assists as the Phoenix Suns beat the Milwaukee Bucks 118 – 105 in the first match of the 2021 NBA Finals.
It was the Suns‘ first appearance in the Finals since 1993 and Paul’s first-ever in his 16-year career. He made the most out of it to help Phoenix take the 1-0 lead.
Devin Booker added 27 points and six assists while DeAndre Ayton had 22 points and 19 rebounds for the Suns that had a furious third quarter to even take a 20-point (90 – 70) lead.
The Bucks reacted but not strong enough to ever cut their deficit below double digits. Khris Middleton scored 29 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo made his return to action with 20 points and 17 rebounds while playing 35 minutes. The Greek Freak was questionable to play earlier on Tuesday and then became a gametime decision before he was evaluated ready to play.
Croatian forward Dario Saric played just two minutes for the Suns and missed the rest of the night with a right knee injury.