2025-11-20 14:01
NBA Suns vs Bucks: 5 Key Matchup Strategies That Decided the Championship Game
As I settled into my analyst’s chair for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, I knew we were in for something special. The tension was palpable—the Suns and Bucks had traded blows through the first two games, but this one felt different. It wasn’t just about star power; it was about adjustments, chess moves, and those subtle shifts in strategy that decide championships. And when the final buzzer sounded, with the Bucks securing an 87-85 victory to take a 2-1 series lead, it was clear that five key matchups had tilted the scales. Let me walk you through what stood out to me, both as a longtime student of the game and someone who’s watched countless Finals moments unfold.
First, let’s talk about Giannis Antetokounmpo and Deandre Ayton. Giannis finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds, but what really caught my eye was how he attacked Ayton in the paint. Early on, the Suns’ center did a decent job containing drives, using his length to contest without fouling. But as the game wore on, Giannis started leveraging his physicality in transition, and that’s where things shifted. I’ve always believed that Giannis is at his best when he’s relentless in the open court, and tonight, he exploited every semi-fast break opportunity. Ayton, for his part, held his own with 12 rebounds, but he struggled to handle Giannis’s second and third efforts. Honestly, I think the Bucks realized they could wear him down by repeatedly testing his defensive stamina, and it paid off in the fourth quarter.
Then there’s the backcourt battle—Jrue Holiday versus Devin Booker. Booker put up 24 points, but Holiday’s defense was the story here. He hounded Booker all night, forcing him into tough shots and limiting his clean looks from beyond the arc. Statistically, Booker shot just 38% from the field, and I attribute a big part of that to Holiday’s relentless pressure. On the other end, Holiday didn’t light up the scoreboard—he had 12 points and 9 assists—but his playmaking in crunch time was invaluable. I’ve followed Holiday’s career for years, and his ability to impact games without scoring heavily is something I’ve always admired. He disrupted Phoenix’s flow, and that’s a huge reason why the Bucks edged out the win.
Another critical area was the three-point shooting dynamics. The Suns came in relying heavily on their perimeter game, with players like Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges expected to stretch the floor. But Milwaukee’s defensive rotations were sharp—they closed out on shooters aggressively, holding Phoenix to just 31% from deep. On the flip side, the Bucks weren’t much better, hitting only 9 of their 29 attempts, but Khris Middleton’s timely triple in the last two minutes was a dagger. As someone who values efficiency, I have to say the Suns’ reliance on threes backfired a bit tonight. They needed more balance, especially with the Bucks packing the paint, and that’s where their offense stagnated.
The battle on the glass also played a massive role. Milwaukee outrebounded Phoenix 48-42, with Bobby Portis grabbing 12 boards off the bench. Those second-chance points—the Bucks had 16 compared to the Suns’ 8—were crucial in a low-scoring affair like this. I’ve always stressed that rebounding wins close games, and tonight was a textbook example. Portis brought that energy and hustle that every championship team needs, and frankly, I think the Suns underestimated his impact. When you’re in a grind-it-out game, every possession counts, and Milwaukee’s effort on the glass gave them those extra opportunities that ultimately made the difference.
Lastly, let’s not overlook the coaching adjustments. Mike Budenholzer made a key move by tightening his rotation in the second half, relying more on his starters and shortening the bench. Monty Williams, on the other hand, seemed to stick with his usual rotations, and I felt that cost the Suns some momentum late. For instance, leaving Cameron Payne on the floor for extended minutes when the offense was stalling might have been a misstep. In my view, Finals games are often won by these in-game tweaks, and Budenholzer’s willingness to adapt gave Milwaukee the edge. It’s something I’ve noticed in past series—coaches who aren’t afraid to deviate from their script tend to fare better under pressure.
Wrapping it all up, this 87-85 victory wasn’t just about one player or one moment; it was a culmination of strategic wins across these five matchups. The Bucks now lead 2-1, and if the Suns want to bounce back, they’ll need to address these areas quickly. From my perspective, the series has shifted in Milwaukee’s favor because they executed where it mattered most. As we look ahead, keep an eye on how these strategies evolve—because in the NBA Finals, it’s often the subtle adjustments that separate champions from runners-up.
