Paul carries Suns past Giannis, Bucks in NBA Finals opener

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul had 32 points and nine assists, Devin Booker scored 27 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the returning Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Milwaukee Bucks 118-105 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Paul scored 16 points during a sensational third quarter that had Phoenix fans who waited 28 years to see the NBA Finals again screaming in delight.

Finally playing for the title in his 16th season, the star point guard has the Suns in the NBA Finals for only the third time, and it sure looked as if they could make this one different than the other two.


PHOENIX (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Bucks lose to the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, 118-105.


PHOENIX (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Bucks trail the Phoenix Suns 92-75 after three quarters. 


The Milwaukee Bucks trail 57-49 at half. 


The Phoenix Suns are leading after the first quarter, 30-26. 


PHOENIX (CBS 58) --- The Milwaukee Bucks have officially announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals on Tuesday, July 6.


PHOENIX (CBS 58) --- Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals on Tuesday, July 6, according to reports. 


PHOENIX (CBS 58) --- Milwaukee Bucks Coach Mike Budenhozler said Giannis Antetokounmpo is progressing, but still questionable for Game 1 against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals on Tuesday, July 6.

Budenhozler said they have to see how Antetokounmpo performs in the pregame routine and get feedback from him, as well as medical staff before a decision is made. 

Bucks vs. Suns tip off is set for 8 p.m. 

Though no word has officially been given whether Antetokounmpo will play in Game 1, the Milwaukee Bucks tweeted a video of him warming up.


PHOENIX (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Tuesday night, July 6. Ahead of tip-off, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo and whether his knee injury will keep him off the court. 

Tuesday, the Greek Freak is listed as "questionable." He missed the last two games of the Eastern Conference Finals with a hyperextended knee. 

Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer said Giannis is doing "court work" but wouldn't elaborate. 

CBS Sports experts are split on the series; five picking the Suns and three going with the Bucks. 

Playoff fan favorite Bobby Portis Junior said the Bucks' playoff run has prepared them for the finals. 

"Miami, they're a tough-minded team. They bring a physicality to the game, they try to dog you out. They play hard, play physical. Brooklyn, they were different, they play small ball, had three of the best players in the world on one team," said Portis. "The Hawks were a young team, going to be a tough team for years to come. This team, they have a Hall of Famer in Chris Paul that's led young guys to the NBA Finals."

Bucks vs. Suns tip off is set for 8 p.m. 

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