Sports
Bucks Aim for Fourth Consecutive Win Against Phoenix Suns Tonight

PHOENIX, AZ – The Milwaukee Bucks (40-30) will look to secure a winning record this season with a victory over the Phoenix Suns (34-37) tonight at PHX Arena. The Bucks have experienced recent success, winning three consecutive games away from Fiserv Forum. However, they face a Suns team that has also found momentum, winning three of its last five games.
In their last outing, the Bucks managed to outscore the Sacramento Kings 28-19 in the fourth quarter to seal a tight victory despite a slow start. Center Brook Lopez noted, “It was great for us. It showed what we’re capable of. We were in a hole early but we were just able to turn it on, get it right, and then just keep chipping away.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team in the Sacramento game, finishing with 32 points and 17 rebounds. Despite the absence of All-Star point guard Damian Lillard due to calf soreness, the Bucks rallied in the second half. Antetokounmpo’s aggressive play helped shift momentum, showcasing the team’s resilience.
“I’ll be honest with you — I just said ‘F it, like I gotta be aggressive,’” Antetokounmpo said, indicating his mindset during the critical moments of the game.
Tonight’s match-up is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time Bucks head coach Doc Rivers will face former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, who led Milwaukee to an NBA championship in 2021. Budenholzer acknowledged the significance of the matchup but emphasized the need to focus on the task at hand. “I think right now before the game I’d rather just focus on Phoenix, focus on us, get ready to do our job tonight,” he commented.
The Bucks and Suns played to a virtually even contest in the second quarter, with Milwaukee entering halftime leading 58-54. Key turnovers by Phoenix allowed the Bucks to capitalize and build their lead. The Bucks were efficient from the field, shooting 51.3 percent overall and capitalizing on free throws, converting 11 of 13 attempts.
Milwaukee’s success against Phoenix will hinge on maintaining their defensive intensity. The Suns will also look to Kevin Durant, who has been pivotal in recent games, to guide their offensive efforts tonight.
As the playoffs approach, both teams are keen to refine their strategies and add to their win totals, making tonight’s game even more critical in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The game is set to tip off at 9 p.m. CT, with local broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.