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Giannis' 41-point masterpiece leads Bucks to Game 3 win

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

The Milwaukee Bucks cut their NBA Finals deficit in half with a pivotal 120-100 Game 3 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Giannis Antetokounmpo produced another spectacular performance, posting 41 points, 13 boards, six assists, and one steal over 38 minutes of play.

The two-time MVP is now one of two players in NBA Finals history to register back-to-back 40-plus-point and 10-plus-rebound games, joining Shaquille O'Neal.

Chris Paul led the Suns with 19 points and nine assists, while Devin Booker was held to a playoff career-low 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting. Paul surpassed Scottie Pippen for ninth on the NBA's all-time playoff assists list with his eighth dime of the game.

Phoenix started well during the first Finals contest in Milwaukee since 1974. Deandre Ayton scored 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting to give the Suns a 28-25 lead after the opening frame.

Milwaukee turned the tide with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Phoenix 30-9 to end the first half. Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton combined for 33 points through two quarters.

Cameron Johnson's highlight-reel jam sparked the Suns' third-quarter rally. Phoenix cut the Bucks' lead to six points, but the home side reeled off 16 straight points over the final 3:43 to take a 22-point lead into the fourth quarter.

Milwaukee can even up the NBA Finals at two games apiece with a victory Wednesday.

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