Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in game 1 of the NBA Finals. Both players have carried their teams to the Finals despite injury and unfavourable matchups. Additionally, both the Point God and the Greek Freak are true leaders on the basketball court. Their very presence generates pressure and creates opportunities for teammates. Giannis suffered a hyperextended knee in the ECF. While Chris Paul kept reaggravating a shoulder injury early in the postseason.
Chris Paul had come off a massive 41 point night in the elimination of the LA Clippers. Additionally, Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play the last two games of the Hawks-Bucks series.
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How do Chris Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo compare in game 1?
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in a 118-105 win. Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton all had efficient nights. They led the Phoenix Suns in scoring. However, Giannis Anteotokounmpo was clearly not himself in game 1. Khris Middleton ended the game as the Bucks’ leading scorer. Additionally, Chris Paul finished as the Suns leading scorer
Giannis Antetokoumpo’s points and stats this game
The Greek Freak was contained by the Phoenix Suns defence in game 1. However, he tried to establish dominance within the first few minutes of the game. He drove aggressively to the rim before turning around to shoot a smooth fade-away shot over Ayton. This was a sign of relief for the Bucks fans as Giannis was able to put pressure on his knee.
Giannis finished the night with 20 PTS 17 RBD and 4 AST. He also had 2 steals and a block. Additionally, he made 1 of his two three-pointer attempts and also made 7 of 12 free throws. He finished the night shooting 54% from the field. He made 6 out of 11 shots he attempted in this game and had 3 turnovers. This is a quiet night by any standards for the Greek Freak. He is expected to have a better game 2
Chris Paul’s points and stats this game
The Point God stayed true to his role in the game. He started by getting teammates involved with perfect passes. This allowed Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to play one of their better games. Ayton had a solid night scoring 22 PTS and 19 RBD shooting an incredibly efficient 80% from the field.
Chris Paul, however, took over the scoring from the second quarter. He shot his patented elbow jumper over the Bucks defence. Cp3’s midrange shot is arguably one of the most efficient in the league. His finding this shot seemed to indicate that he was about to go off.
Chris Paul finished the night with 32 PTS 4 RBD 9 AST. He also had a steal and made 4 of 7 three-pointers. Chris finished the night shooting 63% from the field and 57% from the three-point line. Additionally, He also made all 4 free throws (100%).
It is also remarkable to note that all the Phoenix Suns starters shot an efficient 100% from the free-throw line. This is with the exception of Jae Crowder. He missed one of his two free throws and finished the night with only that single point. Crowder attempted 8 shots in this game. However, he missed them all and earned only a single trip to the free-throw line. He also missed his 5 attempts from the three-point line. Despite not having him in peak form the Phoenix Suns won game 1
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