Bucks move to one win from end of 50-year NBA drought

Powered by 32 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo and late heroics from Jrue Holiday, the Milwaukee Bucks moved within one win of their first title in 50 years by defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-119 in game five of the NBA Finals.

Khris Middleton added 29 points while Holiday contributed 27 points, 13 assists and a crucial steal from Phoenix star Devin Booker that led to his alley-oop pass to Antetokounmpo for a dunk in the final seconds to shut down a late rally by the host Suns.

The Bucks seized a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven championship series with game six in Milwaukee. A seventh, if needed, would be played in Phoenix.

“One game away,” Holiday said. “We can’t get too high on the horse. We know the last game is the hardest to win. We know they will come out and play desperate. We’ve got to do the same thing.”

The Bucks could become only the fifth team in NBA Finals history to win the crown after dropping the first two games.

“Going home to our fans is a great opportunity for us,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “The support of our city, it’s important. It’s going to be meaningful.

“But you have to go make plays. You have to make things happen. Our guys, I think they’ll be ready to do that.”

“Tables are turned. Now we’re the desperate team,” Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton said. “We had our chances of being up and trying to finish the job. They’re up and now we got to go get it.” (AFP)