NBA Finals: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns, Part 3 | Bucks lead 3-2

[soboMP3]

I’m rewatching the fourth quarter and that foul is just slaying me. You have Jeff Van Gundy, who now thinks baskets on offensive fouls should count, saying Booker should be out of the game. One of the most egregious plays in the NBA I’ve ever seen… couple that with Booker motioning for a jump ball and I went from “not minding if/when the Bucks lose to the Suns” to “release the Krakken on these clowns”. Booker can go ahead and “be legendary” at eating my *** lol.

[Hitachi77]

I’m rewatching the fourth quarter and that foul is just slaying me. You have Jeff Van Gundy, who now thinks baskets on offensive fouls should count, saying Booker should be out of the game. One of the most egregious plays in the NBA I’ve ever seen… couple that with Booker motioning for a jump ball and I went from “not minding if/when the Bucks lose to the Suns” to “release the Krakken on these clowns”. Booker can go ahead and “be legendary” at eating my *** lol.

They gave him weak touch fouls early, and made up for it by not calling his 6th. Classic ref stuff. Not sure how anyone who has watched the NBA more than 3 years can be surprised.

[UWM_Brew_Buck]

I’m rewatching the fourth quarter and that foul is just slaying me. You have Jeff Van Gundy, who now thinks baskets on offensive fouls should count, saying Booker should be out of the game. One of the most egregious plays in the NBA I’ve ever seen… couple that with Booker motioning for a jump ball and I went from “not minding if/when the Bucks lose to the Suns” to “release the Krakken on these clowns”. Booker can go ahead and “be legendary” at eating my *** lol.

They gave him weak touch fouls early, and made up for it by not calling his 6th. Classic ref stuff. Not sure how anyone who has watched the NBA more than 3 years can be surprised.

Context is key here, it was an egregious foul. Not some light contact or Crowder flop.

[DutchManDanFan]

I see people referencing the 2019 ECF between Toronto and Milwaukee where Milwaukee was up 2-0 and then got backdoor swept but I don't see that happening here. Here are some key differences:

Game 1 between Toronto and Milwaukee.. Toronto was actually leading the vast majority of that game at Milwaukee. They were up 7 going into the 4th and were up by as much as 12 throughout the game. The Bucks were pretty much trailing the whole entire game until they took the lead nearly halfway in the 4th quarter. Game 1 between Phoenix and Milwaukee.. Phoenix was winning pretty much the whole entire game and was never in danger of losing that game. Game 2 both Milwaukee and Phoenix won decisively on their home floor. Game 3 Toronto won in OT but they led the entire game and Milwaukee had to come back from down 5 with just a minute and 13 left to play to force OT. Game 3 Milwaukee won decisively. Now here's the big difference between these two series. Game 4 Toronto won convincingly at home going up by as much as 25 points. They were never in danger of losing that game. Game 4 that we saw just now between Phoenix and Milwaukee.. Phoenix was winning pretty much the entire game on the road and only lost the lead with a minute and 30 left to play in the game. They were very close to taking a commanding 3-1 series lead and winning at Milwaukee, where the Bucks play very well in.

After 4 games of the 2019 ECF Toronto looked like the better team especially when you consider the results of game 1. After 4 games of the 2021 NBA Finals Phoenix looks like the better team and they should win this series. If anything Bucks fans should be worried about the staggering difference in play of Middleton and Holiday on the road versus home. Giannis is going to get his, but the question is are Middleton and Holiday going to show up at Phoenix.

You might be right and the Suns may still win. But the point made is the team that started with a 2-0 lead collapsed after losing a close game they could (should) have won. In 2019 it was game 3. Look at the 3 point shooting of Mirotic, Khris and Bled in a game that went into OT. Many wide open looks because of the wall the Raptors put up to defend Giannis. And also Giannis woes at the line. The Bucks should have gone 3-0 up and we all know how that ends.
The Suns had a very good chance to be 3-1 up. If one of the Bucks get hot from 3 in game 5 (see Van Vliet), the Suns are in big trouble.

Also interesting: The Bucks closed out all their series this year on the road.
And look at how Khris and Jrue stood up when it really mattered. You should be surprised if they don’t show up big in game 5 or 7, even if it’s only in the 4th q.

[soxperry]

When you see Crowder going full on flop mode for multiple posessions in a short span and then Booker throwing his head back on that Holiday shot, it means two things to me:

1. Ive lost all respect for the Suns. CP was already known for that. Now the others are doing it. Its pathetic.

2. It reeks of desperation.

I hope we win this series and its another 50 years before Phoenix gets a title shot again. Absolutely pathetic.

[Pachinko_]

No idea what will happen, but the Suns played like dog crap the entire game and led pretty much the entire game. Every player outside of Booker played terrible which is rare and 17 turnovers is very rare.

We had exactly the same reaction when we were up 2 in the ECF against the Raptors and ended up losing the series. Then most of us realised it had something to do with the Raps defense as well.

Then there's your D.
Raps, Celtics, Heat, they all walled up and triple teamed Giannis in the play offs with great results. It's pretty much scripted when you're playing the Bucks, most everyone does the same. In my opinion Monty should've done that earlier, it would've been 3-1 now.

[bwgood77]

No idea what will happen, but the Suns played like dog crap the entire game and led pretty much the entire game. Every player outside of Booker played terrible which is rare and 17 turnovers is very rare.

We had exactly the same reaction when we were up 2 in the ECF against the Raptors and ended up losing the series. Then most of us realised it had something to do with the Raps defense as well.

Then there's your D.
Raps, Celtics, Heat, they all walled up and triple teamed Giannis in the play offs with great results. It's pretty much scripted when you're playing the Bucks, most everyone does the same. In my opinion Monty should've done that earlier, it would've been 3-1 now.

Well, the Bucks are due given the last 3 years they've had. Kawhi was absolutely crazy in those series. It felt like he was willing his team to win...like they were not going to lose. I felt last night's game was a little more of the Suns giving it away, and more of a team effort where, even though the Bucks were not shooting well they were giving themselves second chances with hustle offensive rebounds and forcing turnovers which were the difference. Of course those are the things that win games, but I think the Suns will focus on making sure they take better care of the ball and not allowing so many offensive rebounds.

[Pachinko_]

No idea what will happen, but the Suns played like dog crap the entire game and led pretty much the entire game. Every player outside of Booker played terrible which is rare and 17 turnovers is very rare.

We had exactly the same reaction when we were up 2 in the ECF against the Raptors and ended up losing the series. Then most of us realised it had something to do with the Raps defense as well.

Then there's your D.
Raps, Celtics, Heat, they all walled up and triple teamed Giannis in the play offs with great results. It's pretty much scripted when you're playing the Bucks, most everyone does the same. In my opinion Monty should've done that earlier, it would've been 3-1 now.

Well, the Bucks are due given the last 3 years they've had. Kawhi was absolutely crazy in those series. It felt like he was willing his team to win...like they were not going to lose. I felt last night's game was a little more of the Suns giving it away, and more of a team effort where, even though the Bucks were not shooting well they were giving themselves second chances with hustle offensive rebounds and forcing turnovers which were the difference. Of course those are the things that win games, but I think the Suns will focus on making sure they take better care of the ball and not allowing so many offensive rebounds.

I reckon the biggest risk for the Suns right now is if the players start doubting themselves. These are young guys you have plus a 36 year old with some baggage from previous failures, it doesnt take long to fall in that trap. On the other hand Monty looks like a good motivational speaker.

[bwgood77]

We had exactly the same reaction when we were up 2 in the ECF against the Raptors and ended up losing the series. Then most of us realised it had something to do with the Raps defense as well.

Then there's your D.
Raps, Celtics, Heat, they all walled up and triple teamed Giannis in the play offs with great results. It's pretty much scripted when you're playing the Bucks, most everyone does the same. In my opinion Monty should've done that earlier, it would've been 3-1 now.

Well, the Bucks are due given the last 3 years they've had. Kawhi was absolutely crazy in those series. It felt like he was willing his team to win...like they were not going to lose. I felt last night's game was a little more of the Suns giving it away, and more of a team effort where, even though the Bucks were not shooting well they were giving themselves second chances with hustle offensive rebounds and forcing turnovers which were the difference. Of course those are the things that win games, but I think the Suns will focus on making sure they take better care of the ball and not allowing so many offensive rebounds.

o
I reckon the biggest risk for the Suns right now is if the players start doubting themselves. These are young guys you have plus a 36 year old with some baggage from previous failures, it doesnt take long to fall in that trap. On the other hand Monty looks like a good motivational speaker.

That was something I was expecting earlier in the playoffs and even having nerves in the finals to start. But it doesn't really seem to be something that impacts them. I would say maybe Bridges but he's played in big games...championship games in college (though I am not sure he did a lot of offense in his second championship)...I am curious if the Paul choke thing is real..does he have nerves. I have never really seen most of these guys nervous. If anyone though it would be the newer guys to the league like Ayton, Bridges and Payne (not exactly new for him, but hadn't played much until this season)..maybe the other Cam as well but he doesn't look too nervous. For the most part Book and Paul never seem nervous and can put games behind them. They can have terrible games and then big ones. Paul had 3 solid shooting games before this and Book was coming off a 10 point game where he was benched in the 4th.

[Hitachi77]

I’m rewatching the fourth quarter and that foul is just slaying me. You have Jeff Van Gundy, who now thinks baskets on offensive fouls should count, saying Booker should be out of the game. One of the most egregious plays in the NBA I’ve ever seen… couple that with Booker motioning for a jump ball and I went from “not minding if/when the Bucks lose to the Suns” to “release the Krakken on these clowns”. Booker can go ahead and “be legendary” at eating my *** lol.

They gave him weak touch fouls early, and made up for it by not calling his 6th. Classic ref stuff. Not sure how anyone who has watched the NBA more than 3 years can be surprised.

Context is key here, it was an egregious foul. Not some light contact or Crowder flop.

I get it, but make up calls come in many forms. And technically he didn't completely wrap him up, which would have forced them to call it. Clear foul, but not the first time they let something like that go.

[bwgood77]

I see people referencing the 2019 ECF between Toronto and Milwaukee where Milwaukee was up 2-0 and then got backdoor swept but I don't see that happening here. Here are some key differences:

Game 1 between Toronto and Milwaukee.. Toronto was actually leading the vast majority of that game at Milwaukee. They were up 7 going into the 4th and were up by as much as 12 throughout the game. The Bucks were pretty much trailing the whole entire game until they took the lead nearly halfway in the 4th quarter. Game 1 between Phoenix and Milwaukee.. Phoenix was winning pretty much the whole entire game and was never in danger of losing that game. Game 2 both Milwaukee and Phoenix won decisively on their home floor. Game 3 Toronto won in OT but they led the entire game and Milwaukee had to come back from down 5 with just a minute and 13 left to play to force OT. Game 3 Milwaukee won decisively. Now here's the big difference between these two series. Game 4 Toronto won convincingly at home going up by as much as 25 points. They were never in danger of losing that game. Game 4 that we saw just now between Phoenix and Milwaukee.. Phoenix was winning pretty much the entire game on the road and only lost the lead with a minute and 30 left to play in the game. They were very close to taking a commanding 3-1 series lead and winning at Milwaukee, where the Bucks play very well in.

After 4 games of the 2019 ECF Toronto looked like the better team especially when you consider the results of game 1. After 4 games of the 2021 NBA Finals Phoenix looks like the better team and they should win this series. If anything Bucks fans should be worried about the staggering difference in play of Middleton and Holiday on the road versus home. Giannis is going to get his, but the question is are Middleton and Holiday going to show up at Phoenix.

You might be right and the Suns may still win. But the point made is the team that started with a 2-0 lead collapsed after losing a close game they could (should) have won. In 2019 it was game 3. Look at the 3 point shooting of Mirotic, Khris and Bled in a game that went into OT. Many wide open looks because of the wall the Raptors put up to defend Giannis. And also Giannis woes at the line. The Bucks should have gone 3-0 up and we all know how that ends.
The Suns had a very good chance to be 3-1 up. If one of the Bucks get hot from 3 in game 5 (see Van Vliet), the Suns are in big trouble.

Also interesting: The Bucks closed out all their series this year on the road.
And look at how Khris and Jrue stood up when it really mattered. You should be surprised if they don’t show up big in game 5 or 7, even if it’s only in the 4th q.

It's weird both the Bucks and Suns have closed out all their series on the road.

[Beethoven]

When you see Crowder going full on flop mode for multiple posessions in a short span and then Booker throwing his head back on that Holiday shot, it means two things to me:

1. Ive lost all respect for the Suns. CP was already known for that. Now the others are doing it. Its pathetic.

2. It reeks of desperation.

I hope we win this series and its another 50 years before Phoenix gets a title shot again. Absolutely pathetic.

50 yrs?
How bout never again?

[skones]

I get it, but make up calls come in many forms. And technically he didn't completely wrap him up, which would have forced them to call it. Clear foul, but not the first time they let something like that go.

He literally wrapped his right arm around him and spun him. "Technically didnt completely wrap him up?" No dude, that's a wrap up.

[bwgood77]

I get it, but make up calls come in many forms. And technically he didn't completely wrap him up, which would have forced them to call it. Clear foul, but not the first time they let something like that go.

He literally wrapped his right arm around him and spun him. "Technically didnt completely wrap him up?" No dude, that's a wrap up.

The official flat out came out and said that in real time he thought he just got a clean swipe at the ball (or something like that) but on replay that he didn't notice he had his entire other arm around the waste and that he missed the call.

[Perseus1966]

Going to bet the league takes a hard look at moving screens this off season.

Is this legal, or just subtle enough to fly? Not a rules expert here.

https://gfycat.com/slowbogusargentineruddyduck

Ayton usually gets whistled at least once a game. Not sure if any were called last night. Add it to the ‘wtf refs?’ list. Wacky game, whistle wise. Hate to see it become the narrative of what otherwise was a good game to watch, emotions aside.

Thats not a moving screen its a foul on Bridges

[sunsbg]

When you see Crowder going full on flop mode for multiple posessions in a short span and then Booker throwing his head back on that Holiday shot, it means two things to me:

1. Ive lost all respect for the Suns. CP was already known for that. Now the others are doing it. Its pathetic.

2. It reeks of desperation.

I hope we win this series and its another 50 years before Phoenix gets a title shot again. Absolutely pathetic.

Players flop in all leagues around the world though it's not good. There is no other league like NBA though rewarding a player who can't shoot for crashing into people like Giannis.

Wishing same to you.

[DB23]

I’m rewatching the fourth quarter and that foul is just slaying me. You have Jeff Van Gundy, who now thinks baskets on offensive fouls should count, saying Booker should be out of the game. One of the most egregious plays in the NBA I’ve ever seen… couple that with Booker motioning for a jump ball and I went from “not minding if/when the Bucks lose to the Suns” to “release the Krakken on these clowns”. Booker can go ahead and “be legendary” at eating my *** lol.

They gave him weak touch fouls early, and made up for it by not calling his 6th. Classic ref stuff. Not sure how anyone who has watched the NBA more than 3 years can be surprised.

Nonsense, the guy can’t play D. Always out of position and reaching.

[Luke Skyowner]

Bucks last failures have ruffed them up for this stage. Suns will be ready next year onward(ie. no brainfartonitos). For this reason i think Bucks would be more disappointed and feels like a tiny upset in basketball sense when they lose.

[trickshot]

I’m rewatching the fourth quarter and that foul is just slaying me. You have Jeff Van Gundy, who now thinks baskets on offensive fouls should count, saying Booker should be out of the game. One of the most egregious plays in the NBA I’ve ever seen… couple that with Booker motioning for a jump ball and I went from “not minding if/when the Bucks lose to the Suns” to “release the Krakken on these clowns”. Booker can go ahead and “be legendary” at eating my *** lol.

They gave him weak touch fouls early, and made up for it by not calling his 6th. Classic ref stuff. Not sure how anyone who has watched the NBA more than 3 years can be surprised.

Nonsense, the guy can’t play D. Always out of position and reaching.

he played the game with a complete lack of self preservation. That shoulder charge on Booker while he was in foul trouble wasn't just bad, it served no purpose, he was already in a better position to grab the rebound than Booker. Later goes and picks up a 6th on a fast break. Are those 2 points more important that playing the last 3 minutes? Then risk picking up a possible 7th with heavy contact on another fast break later on. If Suns had won

[soxperry]

When you see Crowder going full on flop mode for multiple posessions in a short span and then Booker throwing his head back on that Holiday shot, it means two things to me:

1. Ive lost all respect for the Suns. CP was already known for that. Now the others are doing it. Its pathetic.

2. It reeks of desperation.

I hope we win this series and its another 50 years before Phoenix gets a title shot again. Absolutely pathetic.

Players flop in all leagues around the world though it's not good. There is no other league like NBA though rewarding a player who can't shoot for crashing into people like Giannis.

Wishing same to you.

Two totally different things. Giannis driving to the basket and putting the defender in a situation that is very tough to handle without fouling also puts the ref in a tough situation and the tie usually goes to the superstar. But its a basketball move by giannis.

Booker got beat by jrue. He got backed down and he got beat. So instead of taking it like a man, he flailed his head back when he saw the elbow 3 inches from his face. Total bitch move.

Crowder took it to another level altogether. Pat grazed him and he acts like he was hit by a linebacker. Countless times he grabbed at his eyes like he got poked but didnt. Those are things you do when you know your best basketball isnt good enough.

My guy Giannis thought he was beat on that lob but he went for the block anyway. There have been a ton of giannis posters over the years because he just does not care about that. He always tries to make the best basketball play regardless of anything else.

The Suns are without honor. They will not be rewarded by the gods.