Giannis Antetokounmpo (in white) of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots against the Phoenix Suns on July 17 during the NBA Finals. Photo: VCG

Powered by 32 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo and late heroics from Jrue Holiday, the Milwaukee Bucks moved within one win of their first title in 50 years by defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-119 on Saturday in the NBA Finals.

Khris Middleton added 29 points while Holiday contributed 27 points, 13 assists and a crucial steal from Phoenix star Devin Booker that led to his alley-oop pass to Antetokounmpo for a dunk in the final seconds to shut down a late rally by the host Suns.

The Bucks seized a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven championship series with game six on Tuesday in Milwaukee. A seventh, if needed, would be played Thursday in Phoenix.

"One game away," Holiday said. "We can't get too high on the horse. We know the last game is the hardest to win. We know they will come out and play desperate. We've got to do the same thing."

With the Suns seeking a go-ahead basket in the dying seconds, Holiday stole the ball from Booker and tossed a high pass to Antetokounmpo for a slam dunk. Middleton added a final free throw to seal the Suns' fate.

"Big time steal by Holiday and great pass," Antetokounmpo said. "He trusted me, threw the ball up there. It was a great play by Holiday."

The Bucks could become only the fifth team in NBA Finals history to win the crown after dropping the first two games.

"Going home to our fans is a great opportunity for us," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "The support of our city, it's important. "But you have to make things happen. Our guys, I think they'll be ready to do that."

Teams winning game five to take a 3-2 edge in the finals have won the title 72 percent of the time, 21 of 29 in all.

"Tables are turned. Now we're the desperate team," Phoenix's Deandre Ayton said. "We had our chances of being up and trying to finish the job. They're up and now we got to go get it."

Middleton, who finished with seven rebounds and five assists, scored 11 points in the third quarter and Antetokounmpo added eight to lift the Bucks ahead 100-90 entering the fourth.

The Bucks, who fell behind by 16 points after the first quarter, stretched their lead as large as 14 points before the Suns rallied.

Booker, who scored a game-high 40 points, hit a layup and a three-pointer and Chris Paul followed with a layup to pull the Suns within 120-119.

Booker rebounded a Holiday miss only to have Holiday make the steal and the lob to Greek star Antetokounmpo for the jam.

Holiday, who rebounded from four-of-20 shooting in game four to hit 12-of-20 in game five, figured Booker would try to take the crucial shot and double teamed him defensively.

The Bucks need only one more win to end a half-century title drought.

"We've got to keep playing good basketball and hopefully we can get a win," Antetokounmpo said.

Antetokounmpo, who had nine rebounds and six assists, said it was the game the Bucks had awaited when all three of their big stars had impressive games.