Bucks beat Suns, remain one win away from ending 50-yr NBA drought

PHOENIX: Powered by 32 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo and late heroics from Jrue Holiday, the Milwaukee Bucks moved within one win of their first title in 50 years by defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-119 on Saturday in the NBA Finals.

Khris Middleton added 29 points while Holiday contributed 27 points, 13 assists and a crucial steal from Phoenix star Devin Booker that led to his alley-oop pass to Antetokounmpo for a dunk in the final seconds to shut down a late rally by the host Suns. The Bucks seized a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven championship series with game six on Tuesday in Milwaukee. A seventh, if needed, would be played Thursday in Phoenix.

With the Suns seeking a go-ahead basket in the dying seconds, Holiday stole the ball from Booker and tossed a high pass to Antetokounmpo for a slam dunk. Middleton added a final free throw to seal the Suns’ fate.

The Bucks could become only the fith team in NBA Finals history to win the crown ater dropping the first two games.

“Going home to our fans is a great opportunity for us,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “The support of our city, it’s important. It’s going to be meaningful.

“But you have to go make plays. You have to make things happen. Our guys, I think they’ll be ready to do that.”

Teams winning game five to take a 3-2 edge in the finals have won the title 72% of the time, 21 of 29 in all.

Middleton, who finished with seven rebounds and five assists, scored 11 points in the third quarter and Antetokounmpo added eight to lit the Bucks ahead 100-90 entering the fourth.

The Bucks, who fell behind by 16 points ater the first quarter, stretched their lead as large as 14 points before the Suns rallied.

Booker, who scored a game-high 40 points, hit a layup and a 3-pointer and Chris Paul followed with a layup to pull the Suns within 120-119.

Booker rebounded a Holiday miss only to have Holiday make the steal and the lob to Greek star Antetokounmpo for the jam. Holiday, who rebounded from 4-of-20 shooting in game four to hit 12-of-20 in game five, figured Booker would try to take the crucial shot and double teamed him defensively. The Bucks need only one more win to end a half-century title drought.

Antetokounmpo, who had nine rebounds and six assists, said it was the game the Bucks had awaited when all three of their big stars had impressive games.