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Milwaukee Bucks beat Phoenix Suns in Game 3, win first NBA Finals game since 1974

NBA Finals Suns Bucks Basketball
Posted at 12:57 PM, Jul 11, 2021
and last updated 2021-07-11 22:50:21-04

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, and the Milwaukee Bucks pounded Phoenix 120-100, cutting the Suns’ lead to 2-1 in the NBA Finals.

The first Finals game in Milwaukee since 1974 went to the home team in a romp, with Antetokounmpo and the bigger Bucks overwhelming the smallish Suns to the tune of a 20-2 advantage in second-chance points.

Game 4 is Wednesday night, with the series now guaranteed to go back to Phoenix afterward.

CHASING A CHAMPIONSHIP: MORE COVERAGE:

Chris Paul had 19 points and nine assists, but the Suns got next to nothing from his star backcourt mate. Devin Booker shot just 3 for 14, scoring just 10 points.

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9:50 p.m. -- Bucks win an NBA Finals game for the first time since 1974

The Bucks accomplished something Sunday night that they haven't done in 47 years - win an NBA Finals game. They took down the Phoenix Suns 120-100 in Game 3. Celebrate, Milwaukee!

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8:55 p.m. -- Celebrities flock to Fiserv for Game 3

Chance the Rapper, Gucci Mane, David Bakhtiari, Donald Driver, and more are among the dignitaries at Game 3 tonight! Milwaukee is the place to be on this Sunday night.

8:21 p.m. -- Bucks up big at the half

That's more like it! The Bucks went on a 30-9 run to end the first half and now lead the Phoenix Suns by 15 points.

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7:43 p.m. -- Bucks down three after one quarter

The Suns withstood the energy from the Bucks crowd, and the road team is up three after one quarter. Deandre Ayton show 6-7 for 12 points to lead the Suns.

7:35 p.m. -- Chance the Rapper returns for third straight Bucks home game

Chance the Rapper can't get enough of the Bucks! He's back at Fiserv Forum tonight for his third straight Bucks home game, after attending back-to-back home games during the Eastern Conference Finals.

6:54 p.m. -- Herb Kohl in attendance for Game 3

Former US Senator Herb Kohl is here at Fiserv Forum for Game 3. Kohl sold the Bucks to Wes Edens and Marc Lasry in 2014 with one major condition -- they keep the team in Milwaukee.

Edens and Lasry obliged, and seven years later Kohl is here to watch his former team in the NBA Finals.

6:32 p.m. -- Stars will be in attendance for Game 3

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Ava DuVernay, Chance the Rapper, David Bakhtiari, Donald Driver, Gucci Mane, Marques Johnson, and Sidney Moncrief are expected to be among the celebrity guests at Game 3 of the NBA finals, according to USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt.

6:15 p.m. -- Love is in the air!

We have ourselves a Fiserv Forum engagement! Congratulations to Kendrick and Julianne.

5:17 p.m. -- Fans rush into Deer District as gates open

Pretty cool video from our Digital Reporter James Groh, who captured eager Bucks fans rushing into the Deer District as soon as gates opened at 5 p.m.

4:56 p.m. - Fiserv Forum all dressed up for Game 3

Just look at how beautiful Fiserv Forum is with all the NBA Finals signage - courtesy of Bucks Marketing Manager Dustin Godsey.

4:08 p.m. -- Bucks on the wrong end of history if they lose tonight

In case you needed a reminder... Lance Allan is here to remind you that no team has ever come back from 0-3 in NBA playoffs history. The Bucks need to win Game 3 tonight if they want to avoid falling into this category.

3:27 p.m. -- Torrey Craig set to play for Phoenix in Game 3

Though his status coming into Game 3 was uncertain, Suns forward Torrey Craig (who started the season with the Bucks) will indeed play Sunday night, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported.

2:31 p.m. -- Vintage Bucks gear abounds at SayWerd in Milwaukee

If you need a new jersey or just a new piece of merch to bring the Bucks luck, consider giving SayWerd on Oakland Ave. a try. Adriana Mendez went there today.

1:57 p.m. -- Arrive early if you're headed to Fiserv Forum for Game 3

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. this evening for Game 3 at Fiserv Forum, and if you're planning on attending, arena staff advise that you arrive early. Here's what you need to know if you are lucky enough to have tickets for Game 3, from Fiserv's Facebook page:

1:26 p.m. -- Chipotle to hide 20,000 free burritos in Game 3 advertisement

Chipotle will hide 20,000 free burritos in their advertisement during the NBA Finals game Sunday.

They will hide a keyword at the end of the advertisement, and if you spot it and send it to 888-222, you will unlock a free burrito while supplies last.

“The final games of the basketball season are arguably some of the most entertaining moments of the year,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. “Along with the high-profile player matchups, off-court storylines, and fan interactions, our hidden code giveaway creates another ‘game within the game’ and elevates the viewing experience for our fans during breaks in the action.”

The giveaway will continue for the rest of the finals.

12:58 p.m. -- Suns unsure of Craig's status for Game 3 due to knee injury

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams says reserve forward Torrey Craig’s status for Sunday’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals is uncertain.

Craig hurt his right knee during a collision with a driving Giannis Antetokounmpo in the third quarter of the Suns' 118-108 Game 2 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

Phoenix already is playing without reserve forward Dario Saric due to a torn right anterior cruciate ligament. Saric got hurt in the first quarter of Game 1.

Craig's injury isn't as severe. The Suns own a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

12:03 p.m. -- Stephen A. Smith on his way to Milwaukee

One of the most-anticipated media guests for Game 3 of the NBA Finals in Milwaukee has to be ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, due to his recent "terrible city" comments about our city. He posted a photo of himself on his private jet on his way to Fiserv Forum:

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