Phoenix: Chris Paul ensured the debut of the NBA final which had long been awaited would be one to remember, scoring 32 points and added nine assists to trigger Phoenix Suns over Milwaukee Bucks 118-105 in the opening match of the championship series Tuesday.
The 36-year-old Backcourt Maestro, in the 16th season, gave clutch scores and added nine assists while Devin Booker added 27 points and the BIG BIG MAN Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 19 rebounds in dominating the bucks.
“I keep trying to be aggressive and my friends leave,” Paul said.
“It’s trust.
We’ve played like this throughout the season.
We just have to stay locked.” Phoenix will try to take a 2-0 advantage when the Best Battan Seven continues on Thursday.
“There is a lot of energy going into this game,” Paul said.
“We have one.
We have to get another.” The Sun, in the NBA final for the first time since 1993, looking for their first league title while Bucks, in their first final since 1974, won their only crown 50 years ago.
“We will see the film,” coach Mike Budenholzer said.
“We will get smarter.
We will get better for two games.” Milwaukee started the Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had spent two matches with a hyperekstan left knee, and he contributed 20 points and 17 rebounds in 35 minutes.
“It’s difficult.
Must do my best to return,” said Antetokourmpo.
“Do the right treatment.
Caring for my body.
Supporting my teammate.
Now I’m back.” Feeling great.
I have my balance.
Feel my knee is stable.
I don’t feel pain.
I feel good.
“But even with 29 points from Kris Middleton, it was not enough to fight Paul and the suns squad that was more aggressive, more defensive.” I just thought Chris Paul was a little too comfortable, “said Bucks Standout JRUE HOLIDAY.
Paul, with a second game anywhere from every NBA player made his final debut, went 12 of-19 from the floor, 4-of-7 from a distance of 3 points, And 4-of-4 of the free throw line.
“I’m just locked in the game,” Paul said.
“I stayed at that moment.
I just focus on the task.
“Paul went 6-of-7 for 16 points in the third quarter, when the Sun stretched the advantage of 20 points.
Antetototmpo scored to pull Milwaukee within 101- 94 in the fourth quarter, but stealing and hoop by Paul helped keep the dollar in the bay.
“To win the first match, it gives you a level of trust,” said Suns coach Monty Williams.
“It only has energy and has energy and juice that we usually play.
This is important.
Our people understand it.
“Ayton became the first player with 15 points and 15 rebounds in his NBA final debut since the Duncan team in 1999.
The Sun went 25-of-26 from a free throw line, only the last loss to look after them.
NBA final record.
The sun, Who hasn’t lost in 11 playoff matches while leading with 10 or more, opening the advantage of 65-52 at the beginning of the third quarter.
Phoenix led 30-26 after the first quarter and 57-49 in the drink.
Booker has 16 points in the first round and Paul added 11, six of them in a 10-4 run to provide the sun 45-38.
Antetototmpo has eight points, five rebounds and two assists in the first quarter, made a solid start after becoming a time game decision.