Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) attempts to shoot the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) defends in the second half during game five of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. [Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY]The surging Milwaukee Bucks took control of the NBA Finals with a 123-119 victory over the host Phoenix Suns on Saturday to move a win away from ending one lengthy championship drought and extending another. After dropping the first two games of the series the Bucks have roared back to life and after hanging on in a wild Game Five finish, now lead the best-of-seven NBA Finals 3-2. Teams that win Game Five of an NBA finals that was tied 2-2 have gone on to win 72% of the time. "Going home to our fans, going home to Milwaukee is a great opportunity for us," said Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Source: Standard Digital July 18, 2021 05:03 UTC