The Milwaukee Bucks decided to start Jae Crowder on Sunday even though Khris Middleton is back after a 16-game injury layoff. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a late scratch, which kept Crowder in the starting lineup and required the former to work extra hard against the formidable Phoenix Suns team.
In response, Crowder scored 18 points on Sunday, matching his season-high scoring total of the previous two years. It goes without saying that the 6-foot-6 swingman played a crucial role in Milwaukee’s hard-fought 140-129 triumph over the Suns.
Jae Crowder of the Milwaukee Bucks Talks About His Crucial Defensive Play Against Kevin Durant
In his 32 minutes of play, Crowder drained four triples, but he was more than just an important offensive player for the Bucks. The 33-year-old also demonstrated his defensive skills when he faced up against Kevin Durant, the main player for the Suns, who had a terrible day on Sunday, scoring just 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting.
Crowder was the focal point of what he refers to as a “momentum play” at one point during the contest. Late in the third quarter, he pressured KD into a turnover, which resulted in both players fouling out. After the Bucks were able to get the ball back, Patrick Beverley made a three-pointer. The Bucks were up 69-53 as a result, and the Suns were forced to take a timeout.
In his post-game interview, Crowder talked about the brutal moment he had against his former team. He stuck up three fingers in the direction of the Suns bench.
