Thanks to an exceptional shooting performance by both teams in the last game, oddsmakers opened this Game 6 with the highest total of the championship series. I don't expect nearly that type of scoring in this potential closeout game.

The Suns are determined to step up their defensive pressure. Giannis Antetokounmpo can't play any better than he has. Only worse. Kris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have run hot-and-cold during this series. Phoenix ranked No. 2 in defensive field goal percentage during the regular season.

The Bucks are doing a great job of cutting the head off the snake, which is Chris Paul. The Bucks have forced Paul into committing an average of 3.6 turnovers per game. The combination of full-court pressure, excellent defense by Holiday and Paul's left wrist not being 100 percent have contributed to the Bucks' defensive effectiveness along with their size and athletic length. The Bucks ranked fifth during the regular season in defensive field goal percentage.

Both teams have endured a long and grueling season to reach this deep point of the season. The pace has slowed down during each of the last three games. The tempo should be slow again with this being such a pivotal game and the Suns having a short bench.