The Suns Shoot the Lights Out from Downtown to Defeat the Bucks
The Phoenix Suns transformed Fiserv Forum into a true burn city, securing a 129–114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns' shooters were on fire, making it nearly impossible for the Bucks' defense to stop them. Phoenix set a season high with 24 three-pointers out of 51 attempts. When a team hits nearly 50% of their threes at that volume, defeating them becomes very difficult. Devin Booker led with 27 points, but the scoring was well-balanced across the team. The standout moment was Royce O’Neale’s third quarter, where he poured in 21 points and capped it with an astonishing 50-foot buzzer-beater that seemed to deflate the Bucks' momentum. This shot broke a tie and gave the Suns a confident edge going into the fourth quarter.
Kuzma’s Career Night in a Losing Effort
Kyle Kuzma delivered a career-high 33 points in a losing effort, trying to keep Milwaukee competitive. He shot 60% and, along with Giannis Antetokounmpos, scored 22 points, six rebounds, and kept the game close through three quarters. Kuzma has shown why he has become a valuable asset since the trade. However, the Bucks lacked the bench depth and defensive consistency to match Phoenix’s late-game push. The third quarter resembled a high-stakes game of H-O-R-S-E, with Kuzma scoring 16 points, including three straight triples to lead a Bucks charge. Despite Kuzma’s efforts, O’Neale’s performance shifted the game. His 21-point burst and buzzer-beater did more than score; they seemed to suck the air out of Fiserv Forum. When a role player makes such a shot after a strong quarter, it often indicates that the Basketball Gods have chosen a side for that night.
Different Roster, Same Struggles
The Bucks have now lost six of their last seven games. Seeing Taurean Prince return from neck surgery, he went scoreless in 18 minutes. It was a positive return, but the team still misses Kevin Porter Jr. and Bobby Portis. Without that extra scoring punch, they struggle against top Western Conference teams. Phoenix took 51 threes. Even a strong defense can falter against a highly aggressive team, but the Suns were able to get open looks through straightforward drive and kick plays. Milwaukee’s offense cooled down significantly at crucial moments in the last quarter. Relying solely on Kuzma and Giannis to generate scoring in the final moments is becoming a predictable, easily defended tactic. Meanwhile, the Suns' convincing road win begins a six-game trip. By defeating a contender on their home floor, Phoenix is signaling to the West that their shooting isn't a fluke and that they’re aiming for the sixth seed to avoid the Play-In tournament altogether.
