The Suns once again fumbled with the game on the line
The 2021 NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns have been very even and there has been little that has separated these two teams, but Phoenix has lost the last two games on the offensive-end of the floor in the final minutes. In Game 4, Giannis Antetokounmpo had a massive block on DeAndre Ayton’s dunk attempt and then Chris Paul had a costly turnover with about 32 seconds left in the game that led to the Bucks taking a four point lead late in the fourth quarter.
In Game 5, the Suns were able to fight their way back into the game in the fourth quarter and trailed by just one point with 16.7 seconds left in the game, but then Devin Booker turned the ball over. In both games, Jrue Holiday forced game-winning turnovers that led to game-winning points on the other end of the floor for Milwaukee.
The Bucks won both Game 4 and Game 5 and they deserve a lot of credit for doing so, but you could easily say that the Phoenix Suns have “choked” at the end of both of these games and have “fumbled” their chances of winning a title.
When you watch these possessions, it is clear to see that both Chris Paul and Devin Booker have tried to play “hero ball” and put their team on their back with the game on the line, but both times, they have come up empty handed. Not only does Phoenix have to be stronger with the ball late in the fourth quarter, but they are going to have to take the fight to Milwaukee in Game 6.
Playing from behind late in games has cost the Suns a chance to possibly win this series in five games and now, they will head to Milwaukee for Game 6 trailing 3-2. It really is crazy how a handful of plays can completely change the direction of a championship series and we are left looking back at these plays saying “what if…”
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Fumbling the ball and turning it over when they need a basket late in the game has happened in back-to-back games now for the Suns. This is definitely not good news for them heading into a potential championship deciding game, but this team has shown the ability to fight and they will definitely give everything they have in Game 6.
We could very well be crowning a new NBA champion on Tuesday night, but Devin Booker, Chris Paul and this entire Phoenix Suns team will definitely not give up. Game 4 in Milwaukee was very close and they have proven the ability to fight to the end against the Bucks, they just need to execute their plays better.
If the Phoenix Suns can limit their turnovers in the fourth quarter of Game 6, especially in the final two minutes of the game, then they will be able to steal a game back on the road and force a championship deciding Game 7 in Phoenix. However, if the same narrative plays out, the Bucks will be lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy for the first-time in 50 years.
