Chris Paul made his NBA Finals debut with the Phoenix Suns, while Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup, but the series has only just begun, with the Suns holding a 1-0 lead. Game 2 of the NBA Finals will undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the series.
If the Suns win Game Two at home, the Bucks will be up against the wall in Game 3. If the Bucks win on the road, they will have a home-court advantage at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks, on the other hand, are no strangers to losing the first game. They’ve also lost the first game of their last two series against the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks.
The return of Antetokounmpo did not produce the expected results for the Bucks, but the Greek superstar remained on the court for over 35 minutes, trying everything he could, including a highlight-worthy block on Mikal Bridges. “Going to Game 2, hopefully, I can feel more comfortable, more confident to go downhill, to make more plays,” Antetokounmpo said.
Paul, who had 32 points and nine assists in Game 1, knows the Bucks will come back with a better game plan, but he believes the Suns are ready for anything. “If they’re going to trap, they’re going to trap.” They switch, they switch, they switch, they switch, they switch, they switch, they But whatever it is, we have adjusted and prepared all season for anything a team has thrown at us,” said the 16 season veteran.
With Devin Booker adding 27 points and six assists in Game 1, and DeAndre Ayton adding 22 points and 19 rebounds in Game 1, the Suns have established a trident with Paul that has put their opponents on the back foot.
The Bucks too have players who have made an impact when it matters most in the summit clash. Jrue Holiday is one of the best defensive guards on the team and he’ll look to build on his 10-point game in Game 1. If the Bucks want to win this series, Khris Middleton will have to step up his game.
