Author: Mark Medina, USA TODAY

The Suns are encouraged with how they performed in their first NBA Finals since 1993 and vowed to use the painful experience of losing to get better.

As Phoenix tries to force a Game 7, Devin Booker defends Chris Paul’s playoff shortcoming while Paul defends Booker’s solo scoring dominance.

The Suns have quickly shifted their mindset after losing 123-119 to the Bucks on Saturday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Devin Booker had 40 points for the second straight game, but the Suns’ title hopes rest on him getting help shouldering the scoring load.

Chris Paul had just 10 points and turned the ball over five times in the Suns’ Game 4 loss, but Monty Williams is sure CP3 will bounce back.

Damian Lillard denied a report that he plans to request the Blazers trade him, but he also hasn’t made “any firm decision on what my future will be.”

Devin Booker was on fire, but dealt with foul trouble. Chris Paul struggled to take care of the ball. It all added up to a disappointing Game 4 loss.

Dan Majerle was targeted by Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA Finals because Bulls’ GM lauded Majerle’s defense.