Damian Lillard's Historic Night Pushes Bucks Past Suns
PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns (39-29) fell at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks (44-24) by a score of 140-129 on Sunday in Milwaukee.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out shortly before tip off due to hamstring tightness, while the Suns went into the game largely healthy - this didn't appear to phase Milwaukee.
Phoenix and Milwaukee started out the game on fire - with the Bucks taking a 39-36 lead after the first 12 minutes of action. Grayson Allen paced the Suns with 12 points, while Bobby Portis Jr. led the Bucks with 12 points on 5-for-5 shooting.
Milwaukee continued the torrent pace in the second quarter, eventually finishing with 18 three-point hits in the first half, tied for the mist in any half in NBA history. Portis finished the first 24 minutes with 25 points, while Booker pitched in 13 for the Suns.
Milwaukee went into the second half leading 82-60.
The Suns came storming back in the third quarter - cutting the lead to as few as 6 points before a 9-0 run by Damian Lillard put Milwaukee up 109-94 going into the final 12 minutes of action. He finished with the team's first 30-point/15-assist game in franchise history.
The Suns continued to fight in the final frame of action, eventually cutting the Bucks' lead to 7 with 6:17 remaining - Bucks coach Doc Rivers was forced to call a timeout.
Phoenix's chances to take the game back in their hands fell futile - largely due to a continued late-game turnover problem. The Suns now once again relinquish the six-seed in the West, and must have a strong week to get back into the top six.
Key Performances
Devin Booker - 23 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST
Bradley Beal - 28 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST
Grayson Allen - 25 PTS, 3 REB, 8 AST
Damian Lillard - 31 PTS, 5 REB, 16 AST
Bobby Portis - 31 PTS, 10 REB, 5 3PM
What's Next
The Suns return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
