MILWAUKEE – The Phoenix Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 129-114 on Tuesday night, fueled by a season-high 24 three-pointers and a late surge in the fourth quarter. The victory moves Phoenix closer to playoff contention in the Western Conference, while the Bucks continue to struggle, dropping to 15-18 at home this season.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points, while Jalen Green added 25 and Royce O’Neale contributed 21. The Suns shot an impressive 53.9% from the field, capitalizing on their long-range shooting. Milwaukee, despite a strong performance from Kyle Kuzma, couldn’t maintain pace with Phoenix’s offensive firepower. This game featured 16 ties and 12 lead changes, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest.
Suns Pull Away in Fourth Quarter
The game remained tight throughout the first three quarters, but a buzzer-beater from Royce O’Neale at the end of the third quarter – a shot from approximately 50 feet – shifted the momentum in Phoenix’s favor. According to ESPN, O’Neale’s shot gave the Suns a lead they would not relinquish. Phoenix extended their advantage by scoring the first seven points of the final period, building a 107-97 lead. They maintained at least a seven-point cushion for the remainder of the game.
Kyle Kuzma had a season-high performance for the Bucks, scoring 33 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner each added 22 points, while Ousmane Dieng contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. However, Milwaukee’s shooting from beyond the arc (16 of 38) proved insufficient to overcome Phoenix’s hot shooting night.
Injury Concerns for the Bucks
The Bucks faced challenges heading into the game with several key players sidelined. Kevin Porter Jr. Missed his fourth consecutive game due to swelling in his right knee, and both Bobby Portis (thoracic spine bruise) and Jericho Sims (right patella tendinitis) were unavailable. Taurean Prince also made his return to the court after undergoing surgery in mid-November to repair a herniated disc in his neck, playing 18 scoreless minutes. Phoenix also had a player returning from injury, with Jordan Goodwin scoring six points in 13 minutes after missing two and a half weeks with a left calf strain.
The Suns’ win is their fifth in the last six games, as they embark on a six-game road trip. They are now within one game of the Denver Nuggets for sixth place in the Western Conference standings. The Bucks, have lost six of their last seven games and recently completed a 3-7 stretch that included nine home games. Six of their next eight games will be played on the road.
Here’s a look at Royce O’Neale’s impressive third quarter performance:
The game recap from ESPN details the back-and-forth nature of the contest and highlights the key performances from both teams. Read the full recap on ESPN.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Phoenix Suns will continue their road trip with a game against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. The Milwaukee Bucks will also be in action on Thursday, facing the Miami Heat. Both teams will look to build on their recent performances as they navigate the remainder of the NBA season.
The Suns’ strong shooting performance and ability to close out the game will be key factors as they continue their playoff push. For the Bucks, addressing their recent struggles and getting healthy will be crucial for improving their standing in the Eastern Conference.
What do you think about the Suns’ impressive offensive display? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
