Bucks clinch playoff spot, top Suns 116-104 for 50th win

PHOENIX (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks walked into one of the toughest places to play in the NBA, snatched the lead from the Phoenix Suns midway through the fourth quarter and then closed with a flourish to earn a 116-104 victory.

That’s not easy to do.

But the Bucks made it look easy. That’s exactly why they became the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season Tuesday night, as well as becoming the first to 50 wins this season.

“We just have a good balance on our team,” Bucks guard Jrue Holiday said. ”At any given moment, somebody can explode.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo provided his usual scoring with 36 points while Brook Lopez added 21. The Bucks have won 21 of their past 23 games in an impressive two-month run. The Suns have dropped three straight.

“We just mentioned it in the coaches’ locker room to appreciate this,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Making the playoffs in this league is hard. You should never take anything for granted.”

UP NEXT

Bucks: At Indiana on Thursday. Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on KFIZ.