2025 NBA Season

[Yaunfitda]

Probably because Chris Paul is also check too by Jrue Holiday. Jrue made a lot of adjustments guarding Chris Paul, he meet him early and pressure him before the mid line and this makes Paul alley hoop somewhat not working anymore as he is contested even with his jump shot. And the thing with Bucks is that they have big men that clogged the middle, with Lopez and Giannis playing at the same time. You can only draw either of the two, so if Ayton draw Lopez out, there's no one to make an alley hoop. And yes, last 2 games, Chris Paul has committed a lot of turnovers, again this is due to the fact of Bucks cutting him at every corners and angles.

Yes, I forgot about that, thanks for the reminder. I tried watching the replay to see what the Suns are really lacking in Game 4. They got the lead but had difficulties stopping the 4th quarter run of the Bucks led by Middleton.
It was mostly turnovers that got them in trouble. They didn't notice is but they already got 17 turnovers before they finish the game while on the other hand the Bucks protected the ball so well they only had 5. Defense is almost identical. 9 blocks for the Suns led by Jae Crowder with 3 steals and 11 steals for the Bucks.
It just means CP3 is not keeping the ball protected if their turnover is higher than their past games. If Suns want to win another game it's just CP3 they needed to be back on high end performance.

Exactly, turn overs are killing them, in the previous series, CP3 turn overs was limited to less than 10 if I'm not mistaken. But in the series against the Bucks, he has committed more than than. And we all know that Suns offense start from CP3, if he has been guarded and lock by Jrue there will be no alley oop to Ayton or not pick and rolls for Booker. Nothing against Jae Crowder defense, but against Giannis, I would say that Giannis has the numbers.

[LogitechMouse]

The missing key for the Bucks this Finals, Khris Middleton. After a worst performance on Game 1 and 2, he erased the thinking of his doubters.

Playing infront of a thousands Bucks audience fans, that gives him the adrenalin to step up on the game.

Want to see him playing that kind of ballgame as an Away team on Game 5.

2 games isn't enough to cover his bad nights in the previous rounds but still, I'm happy to see him and Booker go head to head but the Bucks got the W.
Its just unfortunate to see that Booker has to sit down in the first 2 minutes of the last quarter due to his 5 fouls and because of that he also kicked a chair. I know the frustration and FFS, these referees are very light. Just a small bump and they call it a foul. I'm not holding any grudge for the referees though but I hope that they will allow some physicality inside the court since it is already NBA Finals.

CP3 is also putting the blame on him because on how he played in the last 2 games. 15 turnovers and you are in a NBA Finals for the first time. That's unacceptable for me. They got the homecourt advantage though so I hope that they will bounce back after this 2 consecutive losses.

[Jating]

The missing key for the Bucks this Finals, Khris Middleton. After a worst performance on Game 1 and 2, he erased the thinking of his doubters.

Playing infront of a thousands Bucks audience fans, that gives him the adrenalin to step up on the game.

Want to see him playing that kind of ballgame as an Away team on Game 5.

2 games isn't enough to cover his bad nights in the previous rounds but still, I'm happy to see him and Booker go head to head but the Bucks got the W.
Its just unfortunate to see that Booker has to sit down in the first 2 minutes of the last quarter due to his 5 fouls and because of that he also kicked a chair. I know the frustration and FFS, these referees are very light. Just a small bump and they call it a foul. I'm not holding any grudge for the referees though but I hope that they will allow some physicality inside the court since it is already NBA Finals.

CP3 is also putting the blame on him because on how he played in the last 2 games. 15 turnovers and you are in a NBA Finals for the first time. That's unacceptable for me. They got the homecourt advantage though so I hope that they will bounce back after this 2 consecutive losses.

Actually Booker could have fouled out in the game. A lot of non calls specially in the last 4 minutes of the game. Obviously, CP3 worst game in the playoffs I would say, a combine 15 turnovers for him, not good stats if you are in the finals and trying to win your first. The good thing is that it's over now, they are going to Phoenix so confidence is very high for the Suns to win again after 2 losses at Fiserv.

[Reid]

Actually Booker could have fouled out in the game. A lot of non calls specially in the last 4 minutes of the game. Obviously, CP3 worst game in the playoffs I would say, a combine 15 turnovers for him, not good stats if you are in the finals and trying to win your first. The good thing is that it's over now, they are going to Phoenix so confidence is very high for the Suns to win again after 2 losses at Fiserv.

Yes, and the referee didn't call the foul even with that amount of contact. He knew it would put Booker on the bench.
It was an obvious miss that almost looked like it was bias but refs tend to cover it by calling a foul even without one.

I think you all witnessed it too, CP3 and Johnson trying a trap at Jrue Holiday at the last minute of the game but the ref called a foul immediately.
That's how they recover from a bad missed call. 

[Sanitough]

Actually Booker could have fouled out in the game. A lot of non calls specially in the last 4 minutes of the game. Obviously, CP3 worst game in the playoffs I would say, a combine 15 turnovers for him, not good stats if you are in the finals and trying to win your first. The good thing is that it's over now, they are going to Phoenix so confidence is very high for the Suns to win again after 2 losses at Fiserv.

Yes, and the referee didn't call the foul even with that amount of contact. He knew it would put Booker on the bench.
It was an obvious miss that almost looked like it was bias but refs tend to cover it by calling a foul even without one.

I think you all witnessed it too, CP3 and Johnson trying a trap at Jrue Holiday at the last minute of the game but the ref called a foul immediately.
That's how they recover from a bad missed call. 

Lots of questionable calls on that game, but the one that we will not forget is the biggest and that is foul by booker that could put him out of the game already. I can't count but I think he got 8 fouls already and he was still playing, lol.. refs has a lot of explaining to do in that game.

[casperBGD]

Suns had 2:0 lead, but Milwaukee won two in a row, and tied the score
one more win at home, and situation will be critical for Suns, with one more lose to lose the title

Giannis made the difference in game 3, Middleton in game 4, and Milwaukee has enough players to play their role for game 5, will be interesting

[OgNasty]

Suns had 2:0 lead, but Milwaukee won two in a row, and tied the score
one more win at home, and situation will be critical for Suns, with one more lose to lose the title

Giannis made the difference in game 3, Middleton in game 4, and Milwaukee has enough players to play their role for game 5, will be interesting

Game 5 is back in Phoenix so as long as Scott Foster isn’t one of the referees I think it looks like a good situation for Phoenix. They’re currently the favorites according to Vegas, and there’s no doubt this is a must win situation for them, so hopefully we get a win and can get a free game 6 chance at the title. I’d rather not see the Suns in a position to lose the series so hopefully this weekend brings some good news.

[Natalim]

Suns had 2:0 lead, but Milwaukee won two in a row, and tied the score
one more win at home, and situation will be critical for Suns, with one more lose to lose the title

Giannis made the difference in game 3, Middleton in game 4, and Milwaukee has enough players to play their role for game 5, will be interesting

Game 5 is back in Phoenix so as long as Scott Foster isn’t one of the referees I think it looks like a good situation for Phoenix. They’re currently the favorites according to Vegas, and there’s no doubt this is a must win situation for them, so hopefully we get a win and can get a free game 6 chance at the title. I’d rather not see the Suns in a position to lose the series so hopefully this weekend brings some good news.

Good luck on your pick, you bet on them in the series?

The series is tied now and the game is more exciting, but if the Suns will win game 5, then I would say they have a big advantage as they can win road games also as long as they will not make stupid mistakes as they did in game 3.

Vegas sees this as an even match as they are only -4 to -4.5 favorites at home, same odds with Bucks when they played at home.

[Pamadar]

Good luck on your pick, you bet on them in the series?

The series is tied now and the game is more exciting, but if the Suns will win game 5, then I would say they have a big advantage as they can win road games also as long as they will not make stupid mistakes as they did in game 3.

Vegas sees this as an even match as they are only -4 to -4.5 favorites at home, same odds with Bucks when they played at home.

With how the games went thru after game 3 and 4, seems that Bucks already found the right plays to counter Suns system.

This game 5 is very crucial to both teams, pressures though is more on the side of Suns since they'll going to play at home and that last
performances last game 4 where they almost win that and take one game inside the Bucks territory. I'm still wondering how that crucial turned over happened with Paul's hand. Moving forward, hope to see more aggressive Suns this coming game 5.

[danherbias07]

Game 5 is back in Phoenix so as long as Scott Foster isn’t one of the referees I think it looks like a good situation for Phoenix. They’re currently the favorites according to Vegas, and there’s no doubt this is a must win situation for them, so hopefully we get a win and can get a free game 6 chance at the title. I’d rather not see the Suns in a position to lose the series so hopefully this weekend brings some good news.

LOL.  There is no information yet on who will officiate Game 5.

Referee assignments are posted at approximately 9:00am ET each game day.

But just for guidance here is the list of NBA officials.
https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/03/2020-21-NBA-Officiating-Staff-3-29-21.pdf
71/73 (*2 injured) are available. That's a low chance it will be him again. Skip Bayless should also get a technical foul or better throw him out. 
Lot of hates coming out against Scott Foster.

“Scott Foster is Milwaukee Bucks’ Sixth Man”: Skip Bayless doesn’t think Giannis and co can win an NBA championship without the controversial official

https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-scott-foster-is-milwaukee-bucks-sixth-man-skip-bayless-doesnt-think-giannis-and-co-can-win-an-nba-championship-without-the-controversial-official/
Game 4 referee's though has some love for Booker.

[harizen]

In the final 2 minutes of Game 4, some analysts are looking at 2 situations wherein Suns can turn the game into them, one is the Booker's drive at the bucket asking for a foul and Chris Paul's turnover that leads to Bucks fastbreak that result into Booker's final foul.

For me, that analyst is biased even I'm Bucks to win the series. Simply, for let's say those didn't happen, obviously, Bucks will have a different approach. Just move on as a win is a win.

And correct me if I'm wrong but I think Game 4 is the first time that Middleton leads the Bucks in points this playoff with Giannis on board. Looks they really got inspired and encouraged by those criticisms on Game 1 and 2. Good thing lol. Anyways, the Bucks should be aware that those Suns' key players who have an off-night performance on Game 4 will come back aggressively on Game 5, on which they really should or else.

Skip Bayless doesn’t think Giannis and co can win an NBA championship without the controversial official

If the Bucks will win the championship and Giannis will be the Finals MVP, I'm expecting he will make a statement that it should be Khris Middleton.

[Ziskinberg]

Anyways, the Bucks should be aware that those Suns' key players who have an off-night performance on Game 4 will come back aggressively on Game 5, on which they really should or else.

I'm sure they are, but Suns also needs to be aware that the Bucks have players that have not stepped up their game yet and they might be surprised.

We have  Portis, Forbes, and even Tucker who has not contributed on points but doing a great job on defense.
Middleton already exploded, when will Jrue Holiday will explode? In game 5?

[Kelvinid]

Good luck on your pick, you bet on them in the series?

The series is tied now and the game is more exciting, but if the Suns will win game 5, then I would say they have a big advantage as they can win road games also as long as they will not make stupid mistakes as they did in game 3.

Vegas sees this as an even match as they are only -4 to -4.5 favorites at home, same odds with Bucks when they played at home.

With how the games went thru after game 3 and 4, seems that Bucks already found the right plays to counter Suns system.

This game 5 is very crucial to both teams, pressures though is more on the side of Suns since they'll going to play at home and that last
performances last game 4 where they almost win that and take one game inside the Bucks territory. I'm still wondering how that crucial turned over happened with Paul's hand. Moving forward, hope to see more aggressive Suns this coming game 5.

Bucks did not dominate in the last 2 games, they did in game 3 but not in game 4, luckily they were able to come back and win.  If we compare the 2 wins of Suns against the 2 wins of Bucks, I would Suns has an impressive win but that would tell the outcome of the series though as it's very unpredictable. All I can say now is see you in game 7.  

[ingiltere]

Suns had 2:0 lead, but Milwaukee won two in a row, and tied the score
one more win at home, and situation will be critical for Suns, with one more lose to lose the title

So far home teams won their games, Suns still has home advantage. I believe they will win at home again and make the series 3-2. This finals look like it's going to 7th game.
In fifth game Suns defense should lock either Middleton or Giannis, 4th game was close but they couldn't defend both players so Bucks got the win. Offensive rebounds made the difference mostly, Bucks had too many second chances. Suns need to fix this problem.

[CLS63]

Now we have a really competitive series and I'm absolutely happy about it. If Bucks weren't able to turn things around, Suns were going to win the series too easily and it'd be a really boring series for us, the spectators. But Bucks have managed to make a big comeback from 2-0 to 2-2. Giannis had the biggest role in the 3rd game by scoring 41 points. But in the 4th game, Giannis were left in the shadow a little by Middleton. He just carried the team with a huge performance (40 points). Booker was also great in this game (42 points) but he couldn't prevent the loss. Now I wonder whether Bucks will manage to win 3 times in a row. Maybe the series will come to 3-3 and the last game will be really awesome to watch.

[Reid]

And correct me if I'm wrong but I think Game 4 is the first time that Middleton leads the Bucks in points this playoff with Giannis on board. Looks they really got inspired and encouraged by those criticisms on Game 1 and 2. Good thing lol. Anyways, the Bucks should be aware that those Suns' key players who have an off-night performance on Game 4 will come back aggressively on Game 5, on which they really should or else.

Thank you for that.
I think they forgot that critical analysis that didn't happen in Games 1-3.
Khris Middleton.
Bucks won because of him. He stepped up his game and that's the only reason I can think of that is why they are now tied in the series.
We have discussed it here so many times that if he will step up his game Bucks could've won even from Game 1.
He is just not there and he cannot be felt.
Now that he is, some critics are making a ruckus about referees or whatever reason they can think of.
Why they cannot just admit to giving credits to Middleton?! He is an All-Star and that's the way he should be playing from the very start.

[Kasabus]

Suns had 2:0 lead, but Milwaukee won two in a row, and tied the score
one more win at home, and situation will be critical for Suns, with one more lose to lose the title

So far home teams won their games, Suns still has home advantage. I believe they will win at home again and make the series 3-2. This finals look like it's going to 7th game.
In fifth game Suns defense should lock either Middleton or Giannis, 4th game was close but they couldn't defend both players so Bucks got the win.

What Suns need is a good ball movement, their defense is just alright but if they can't move the ball well, they'll have a problem with their offense.
Look at game 4, Booker did everything to win but they still fall short because they were not getting good contribution from his teammates.

If Suns will get at least double-digit scores from Bridges, Paul, and Crowder, I think they'll increase their chance.

Offensive rebounds made the difference mostly, Bucks had too many second chances. Suns need to fix this problem.

you can't take that away from the bucks as they have a bigger roster, Giannis and Lopez playing together, you can expect they'll get an offensive rebounds.

[OgNasty]

A lot of talk today that Dame is going to be requesting a trade. The big 2 teams I keep reading about are Golden State or the Lakers. There’s even talk of a 3 team trade sending Steph Curry to the Lakers. Came to Golden State, and lots of picks along with Wiseman, Kuz, Caruso, & Wiggins going to Portland. Doubtful I think, but fun to picture Dame going to GS or Steph to LA.

[Fredomago]

What Suns need is a good ball movement, their defense is just alright but if they can't move the ball well, they'll have a problem with their offense.
Look at game 4, Booker did everything to win but they still fall short because they were not getting good contribution from his teammates.

If Suns will get at least double-digit scores from Bridges, Paul, and Crowder, I think they'll increase their chance.

Just like how Bucks lose their 2 early games, Giannis is doing everything but his teammates didn't jive well and produce good numbers for the team, Booker tried to carry Suns in game 4 but like what you observed there's none from his teammates to back him up.

This coming game 5, Suns needs to bring back the teamworks that send them to this finals, they need to work together to win the game.

Double digits from their first line and also let Ayton to contribute not only for his rebounds but also with his offense.

[sana54210]

Suns is definitely the better looking "team" whereas Bucks have the better star, Suns do not have any player remotely at the same level as Giannis, there are very few players in all of the league that can actually play at the level Giannis plays, dude had 40 point 10 rebound game in the finals, back to back! That has only happened with Shaq before, he is the second player to do so. That is while not being a power center, he is still nimble enough to playmake too.

So what we have right now is a better team versus a better player, and that is why it is so close, in a game where Giannis plays unbelievable and beat the suns then Bucks wins, in a game Giannis is inefficient and plays bad then Suns wins. The reason why bets and odds are close is that we never know how well Giannis will play, maybe he will play amazingly or maybe he will play bad, hence betting on these games becomes hard.