After falling down 2-0 in the series, the Milwaukee Bucks rallied to win 4 consecutive games, to clinch their second title in franchise history. The Bucks are able to call themselves NBA Champions for the first time since 1971.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was awarded with the NBA Finals MVP award.
Giannis joined Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players in NBA history to win the MVP award, the defensive player of the year award, and the NBA Finals MVP award.
The Milwaukee Bucks proved their resilience, toughness, and grit throughout this entire playoff run. They were practically doubted every step of the way. It felt like Mike Budenholzer was coaching for his job every single game. Giannis dealt with a knee injury, that was once looked at to be serious. On top of that, the conversation surrounding Giannis for the majority of this playoff run was predominantly negative. People called him overrated, limited, and his ability to make free throws was put into serious question. But, when all of the dust cleared, it was Giannis and Budenholzer hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the very first time.
The Bucks looked dead in the water after game’s 1 and 2, losing by a combined 23 points. So, what exactly propelled the Bucks to this championship?
Giannis Antetokounmpo put together one of the best Finals performance’s in NBA history, and guys like Khris Middleton played their best when it mattered most.
Giannis finished the series averaging 35.2 PPG, 13.2 RPG, and 5,0 APG. On top of that, he shot an efficient, 61.8% from the field. Giannis was even efficient from the free throw line, making 65.8% of his free throws. According to StatMuse, He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 PPG, 10 RPG, and 5 APG, shooting 60% from the field.
But, the performance that stuck out most, was his masterpiece performance in Game 6.
In Game 6, Giannis scored 50 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks. He shot 64% from the field, and was nearly perfect at the free throw line, making 17-19 from the strike. According to ESPN, his 50 points were tied for the most all-time in a closeout game of the NBA Finals in NBA history.
Sure, Giannis was truly historical in this series, but Khris Middleton put together a truly impressive NBA Finals campaign.
Middleton averaged 24.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 5.3 APG. Middleton’s 40 point performance in Game 4, helped propel the Bucks, and helped change the direction of this series. He was a key piece for this team, and cemented his status as a true star in this league.
Middleton led the entire playoffs in clutch points. According to StatMuse, Middleton had 18 points on 75% shooting in the clutch in the Finals, the most by any player.
Jrue Holiday and Bobby Portis also shined during this series, and made plays when it mattered most on both ends of the court.
On the other side of things, this defeat certainly is crushing for the Phoenix Suns But, the arrow is still pointing in the right direction for the Suns, after they overachieved this season. Devin Booker is a legitimate superstar, and Deandre Ayton is one of the best young centers in the NBA. However, this may have been Chris Paul’s last true chance at a title. Regardless of what happens with Chris Paul and his contract this summer, the Suns should be right back in the playoffs next season. The team’s future is bright, and people forget that they weren’t even a playoff team last season.
The Suns couldn’t matchup with the Bucks down the stretch. They were outsized and outmuscled, and simply had no answer for Giannis at the bucket. Devin Booker was streaky shooting the ball, Chris Paul was inconsistent, and Ayton got bullied at times The Suns may have had more talent then the Bucks, but Milwaukee adjusted and found a way to win.
The Bucks exemplified team basketball, while playing and creating their team the right away. They were a team compromised of no players drafted in the top-10, never attracting any big name free agents. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s postgame commentary reflected that.
Giannis could have left the Bucks for greener pastures, but, he didn’t.
He stayed true to the city of Milwaukee, and the Bucks franchise. It’s refreshing to see a story like this happen in today’s NBA.
The decision to stay in Milwaukee was the right one, as Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks finally sit a-top the NBA throne.