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Watching the Suns and Bucks battle it out in the championship game was one of those moments where you could feel the tension through the screen. I’ve covered basketball for over a decade, and what stood out to me in this game wasn’t just the final score—it was the chess match playing out on the hardwood. TNT eventually won 87-85 to grab an upper hand in the finals series, 2-1, but the real story was how five key matchup strategies shaped that outcome. Let’s break it down, because honestly, I think this game will be studied for years.

First, the battle in the paint was absolutely decisive. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ability to attack the rim against Deandre Ayton was something I’ve rarely seen with such consistency. Giannis finished with something like 32 points and 14 rebounds—numbers that don’t even fully capture his dominance. The Bucks made a conscious effort to exploit size mismatches early, and it paid off. I remember thinking midway through the second quarter, if the Suns don’t adjust, this could get ugly. They didn’t double-team Giannis aggressively enough, and he just kept bulldozing his way to the basket. On the flip side, Ayton had his moments—he’s a phenomenal young talent—but he looked a step slow reacting to Giannis’s euro-steps and spin moves. It’s one thing to watch film; it’s another to be in the moment, and I felt Ayton struggled with the physicality.

Then there’s the perimeter defense, which honestly surprised me. The Bucks’ strategy to switch everything on screens disrupted the Suns’ flow, particularly for Devin Booker. Booker ended up with around 27 points, but he had to work for every single one. Jrue Holiday’s on-ball pressure was relentless—I’d estimate he forced at least 4 turnovers directly off steals, and his positioning was just impeccable. As someone who’s played guard in high-level amateur leagues, I can tell you that kind of defense gets in your head. You start second-guessing your dribble, and that hesitation kills your rhythm. Meanwhile, the Suns’ help defense seemed a bit disjointed; they were slow to rotate, which left open shots that the Bucks capitalized on, especially in transition.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the rebounding battle. The Bucks outrebounded the Suns by a margin of about 48-42, and those extra possessions were huge in a tight game. Brook Lopez grabbing 9 boards, including 4 offensive rebounds, gave Milwaukee second-chance points that ultimately made the difference. I’ve always believed that rebounding is half effort, half positioning, and the Bucks just wanted it more in key moments. Watching Lopez box out Ayton repeatedly in the fourth quarter was a masterclass in fundamentals—something you don’t see enough in today’s game focused on flashy plays.

Let’s talk about coaching adjustments, because Monty Williams and Mike Budenholzer were trading blows like seasoned fighters. Budenholzer’s decision to go small for stretches in the third quarter caught the Suns off guard, and it opened up driving lanes. Personally, I think Williams could have countered faster by inserting more shooters to spread the floor, but he stuck with his rotations a bit too long. The timeout management was also critical; the Bucks used theirs to halt Suns’ runs effectively, while the Suns seemed to burn theirs early, leaving them scrambling in the final minutes. From my experience analyzing games, those small decisions often separate champions from runners-up.

Finally, the clutch factor—how players perform under pressure—was where the game was truly decided. With under two minutes left and the score tied, Khris Middleton hit a contested jumper that felt like a dagger. He’s one of those guys who thrives in big moments, and I’ve always admired his composure. On the other side, Chris Paul, as legendary as he is, had a couple of unforced errors down the stretch that cost them. It’s tough to watch because Paul is a future Hall of Famer, but in this game, the Bucks’ role players stepped up when it mattered. The final possession, where the Suns had a chance to tie or win, was a microcosm of the whole night: great defense forcing a tough shot that didn’t fall.

Reflecting on it all, this game wasn’t just about talent; it was about execution in those five key areas. The Bucks’ emphasis on interior dominance, stifling perimeter D, rebounding hustle, coaching savvy, and clutch plays ultimately secured their 87-85 victory and a 2-1 series lead. As a fan and analyst, I lean toward appreciating teams that win through strategy as much as skill, and the Bucks did exactly that. If the Suns want to bounce back, they’ll need to address these matchups head-on—because in the finals, every possession counts, and tonight, the Bucks made theirs count just a little more.