Game 5 of the NBA Finals started off perfectly for the Phoenix Suns.
They were able to begin the game hot and knock down every shot.
In fact, they only missed five shots throughout the first quarter.
Suns in the FIRST QUARTER:
14/19 FG | 5/6 3PT
They lead 37-21 🔥 (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/1IK2lLXawX
— Overtime (@overtime) July 18, 2021
Devin Booker started off with 11 points.
Jae Crowder hit two threes and didn’t miss a single shot as he scored eight points.
Deandre Ayton also contributed eight points to the cause.
Chris Paul was distributing everything, as he had four assists.
The Suns looked like they were ready to take full control in the series and go up 3-2 over the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, as quick as they got the big lead, they lost it.
What happened to the Suns that would give up such a big lead?
Taking Out Devin Booker
The beginning of the second quarter is usually the time for Booker to catch his breath and watch Paul take over the game.
After a huge first quarter, it looked as if Booker can get a nice rest in the second quarter.
However, the Suns simply faltered without their best scorer.
Booker played six minutes and scored four points in that quarter.
Crowder and Paul fell off a cliff in that second quarter.
Crowder finished with a plus/minus of minus-19, while Paul had a minus-15.
The Suns could not find any rhythm without Booker.
He obviously needed a breather and deserved one.
After a first quarter like that, no one thought the game would get close that quick.
However, it did and Booker was on the bench watching it.
The Suns might have to play their best player the whole game to take this series to seven games.
Bucks Big Three Got Hot and Didn’t Look Back
Throughout this series, we have not seen the three best players on the Bucks play well all at once.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the only stable force on the team.
Khris Middleton has had good, or even great games.
He can easily flip it to a bad performance the following game.
Jrue Holiday had been struggling with his shot through the first four games.
His defense had gotten better as the series continued, but his offense was a major liability.
That all changed in that second quarter.
After a 23-5 run to tie the game, the Bucks were rolling.
The next two quarters were a masterclass delivered by the Bucks.
Suns have given up 79 pts in the 2nd and 3rd alone. A 16 pt 1st quarter lead is now a 10 pt 4th quarter deficit. WOW
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) July 18, 2021
Holiday had his best game by far on both ends of the court.
Middleton made some big clutch shots once again.
Then there is the best player in this series in Antetokounmpo.
He was dominant with and without the ball.
The attention on him from the Suns creates so much for other.
Even with the extra set of eyes on him from the defense, he still had a great game.
Their big three performed great together, which is what they have been desperately searching for during the Finals.
The Suns lost their lead after a hot start because of the Bucks matching that same start, but having it last a lot longer.
NEXT: Why Chris Paul Will Bounce Back For Suns In Game 5