Khris Middleton – Photo Credit: Flickr

Khris Middleton scored 40 points, 10 of them in the final minutes, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied past Phoenix 109-103 to pull level in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals.

Greek professional basketball Giannis Antetokounmpo added 26 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists for the Bucks, who improved to an NBA-best 9-1 at home in the playoffs.

Milwaukee levelled the score at 2-2 in the best-of-seven championship series with game five in Phoenix and game six at Milwaukee.

“The only way we’re going to win this series is to get one on the road,” Middleton said. “It would be nice to get this next one.”

The Bucks achieved their first crown since 1971 while the Suns seek the first title in the club’s 53-year history.

Phoenix’s Devin Booker, coming off an additional match’s worst 10-point performance in a game three loss, scored 42 points in a losing cause. The Suns made 17 turnovers to five for the Bucks.

Jae Crowder made two free throws to put the Suns ahead but Middleton answered with back-to-back jumpers to put the Bucks ahead 101-99.

Phoenix’s Chris Paul made his fourth turnover of the game while Middleton finished a fast break with a one-handed shot to give the Bucks a 103-99 edge with 27.2 seconds remaining. Finally, Middleton added four late free throws to seal the victory.