Suns vs Bucks Game 2 Prediction
The Bucks will play in Phoenix for game 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. They ended up losing the first game by 13 points, even though it felt like a 25 point blowout. The Suns played great overall basketball, and Milwaukee didn’t have what it took to stop the Big 3 on Phoenix. Find out more about my Suns vs Bucks game 2 prediction down below.
The Milwaukee Bucks just did not have the energy or the life to beat the Suns in their own arena. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to battle a hyperextended knee and hopes to be closer to 100% at the start of game 2. The Bucks defense was not how it was against the Atlanta Hawks, and they must make the proper adjustments.
The Phoenix Suns went into game 1 and took care of business. After a tough series against the L.A. Clippers, the Suns are feeling more confident than ever going into the Finals. Devin Booker and Chris Paul continued to be the leaders of this young team and have not looked back in these playoffs. Game 2 will be important for either team’s quest to a championship.
The Milwaukee Bucks Defense Must Make Adjustments
The Bucks’ pick-and-roll defense in this first game was absolutely atrocious. They didn’t have the right game plan with Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez having to switch with Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton. The Bucks offense was also underwhelming and in need of something different in this second game.
Khris Middleton was the leading scorer with 29 points in his first finals game. Giannis played well, but not well enough with 20 points and 17 rebounds. Jrue Holiday was the x-factor in this game, scoring 10 points on 4-14 from the floor. The Bucks shot well from beyond the arc at 44% but couldn’t piece together enough good offensive possessions.
Mike Budenholzer will have to look at the film and see how they can stop Devin Booker and Chris Paul off the pick and roll action. They need to find a way to slow those guys down and make the role players for the Suns beat them. The Bucks are searching for answers, especially on the defensive end. It will be a tall task to guard this well-rounded Suns team.
The Phoenix Suns Need To Continue to Ride the Momentum
The Sun’s playoff journey has been nothing short of incredible. They secured the first win of the NBA Finals, even while shooting at a low percentage from 3. Phoenix has built a chemistry that seems to be clicking on the court, and it is noticeable. If they can continue to maintain the momentum, there should be a good outcome for the second seed in the West.
Chris Paul was electric in his first finals with a 32 point, 9 assist showing. He had it going on offense and hit shot after shot in the mid-range. Devin Booker added in 27 points with an ineffective shooting percentage of 8-21. DeAndre Ayton was a beast in the paint, dropping in 22 points and 19 rebounds. If the Sun’s stars play like this in game 2, it should lead to another win.
The Sun’s role players such as Cameron Payne, Cam Johnson, and Mikal Bridges have been so crucial in this playoff run and have played incredible defense. If they are able to slow down the big three of Milwaukee by forcing them to take tough, contested shots, they will be in good shape. The Suns have been making noise in these playoffs, and I don’t think they will stop.
Pick and Prediction
The Phoenix Suns are -5.5, and I will take them in game 2. I don’t feel like the Bucks have what it takes on defense to slow these guys down. Giannis is banged up and is still recovering from injury. I’ll take the Suns -5.5, and I believe they will win by 8 or more.
Khris Middleton will continue his tear with 32 points and 8 rebounds. Giannis will have another double-double, but it won’t matter because Devin Booker will go off with 37 points and 7 rebounds. Chris Paul should kill the Bucks in the pick-and-roll with DeAndre Ayton once again. Suns win game 2 easily.
Pick: Suns -5.5
