Chris Paul and Devin Booker continue to show that they’re one of the best backcourts in the NBA. The two combined for 59 points in Phoenix’s 118-105 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Paul has waited 16 seasons for a chance to make the Finals and he didn’t shy away from the opportunity in his first appearance. His 16 third-quarter points helped Phoenix stretch their lead to as much as 20 points in the quarter.
He finished 32 points and nine assists for the Suns, becoming the third player in NBA history at age-36 or older to have 30-plus points in an NBA Finals game, according to ESPN. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it six times and Tim Duncan did it once.
It wasn’t just the first go-around in the Finals for Paul, but also Booker. The 24-year-old had a bad shooting night going just 8-for-21 from the field and 1-for-8 from three-point range but shot 100 percent (10-10 Ft) from the free-throw line.
Booker provided 27 points and six assists in the Game 1 win, Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 19 rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the starting lineup for the Bucks after making significant progress from a hyperextended knee he suffered in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He missed the last two matchups against the Hawks but looked good for a guy who was just one week removed from the injury.
In 35 minutes of play, Giannis had 20 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists for the Bucks. Khris Middleton led all scorers on Milwaukee with 29 points and Brook Lopez contributed 17 points.
The drop coverage that Trae Young exposed in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Milwaukee is the same one that Paul and Booker benefited from in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Bucks continued to switch Lopez and Bobby Portis onto the Suns’ guards, allowing them to draw fouls, create for others, and get to their spots on the floor.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer has significant changes that he needs to make if the Bucks want any chance at stealing a game in Phoenix.
Once again, the Suns hope to protect homecourt against the Bucks for Game 2 on Thursday to take a 2-0 series lead.
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