Looking back at the 2021 NBA Finals, I still get chills remembering how the Milwaukee Bucks clinched that championship against the Phoenix Suns. It wasn’t just another title—it felt like a statement, especially after Giannis Antetokounmpo’s historic 50-point closeout performance in Game 6. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of teams falter under pressure, but what struck me most about this series was how both squads showed up fully prepared, with no excuses left on the table. That’s something you don’t always see in high-stakes matchups.
I recall thinking midway through the series how refreshing it was that neither team could blame injuries or incomplete rosters for the outcome. It reminded me of a line I once heard in college sports commentary—something like, "This time, however, NU knew La Salle will not have a reason to say that it lost because its lineup was incomplete." That sentiment perfectly captures the 2021 Finals. Phoenix had Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton healthy and firing on all cylinders, while Milwaukee had its core—Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday—available and in rhythm. There were no asterisks attached to this championship, and as a fan and analyst, I appreciated that clarity.
Let’s rewind a bit to the standings leading up to the Finals, because context matters. The Bucks finished the regular season with 46 wins and 26 losses, placing them third in the Eastern Conference. Honestly, I had my doubts about their consistency early on—their defense seemed patchy at times, and there were questions about their half-court execution. But they peaked at the right time, battling through a tough Brooklyn Nets team in the second round and then dispatching the Atlanta Hawks in the Conference Finals, even with Giannis briefly sidelined by that scary hyperextended knee. On the other side, the Suns were the West’s second seed with 51 wins and 21 losses, and they looked unstoppable at times, especially with Chris Paul’s masterful leadership. I’ll admit, I initially leaned toward Phoenix taking the title—their ball movement and mid-range game were a joy to watch.
The Finals themselves were a rollercoaster. Phoenix jumped out to a 2-0 lead, and I remember thinking, "Uh-oh, this could be a short series." But Milwaukee’s adjustments—especially their defensive intensity on Booker and their dominance in the paint—swung momentum. Game 4 was where I felt the tide truly turn: the Bucks erased an early deficit and won 109-103, with Giannis blocking what felt like every shot near the rim. From my perspective, that’s when the Suns’ confidence started to crack. Jrue Holiday’s steal and alley-oop to Giannis in the closing moments of Game 5? Iconic. It was one of those plays that just encapsulates a team’s resilience.
Statistically, the series was a goldmine. Giannis averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the Finals—absurd numbers that put him in the conversation with all-time great performances. Meanwhile, Devin Booker dropped 40 points in Game 5 but couldn’t seal the deal. As for three-point shooting, Milwaukee shot around 35% as a team, while Phoenix hovered near 38%, but the Bucks’ ability to dominate second-chance points (they averaged about 14 per game) made the difference. I’ve always believed that rebounding wins championships, and this series proved it yet again.
What I loved most, though, was the narrative of redemption. Giannis had faced criticism for past playoff exits, and the Bucks as a franchise hadn’t won a title in 50 years. Seeing him hoist the Finals MVP trophy felt like a reward for loyalty and growth—something rare in today’s player-movement era. On the flip side, Chris Paul’s quest for his first ring fell short, and as much as I respect his career, part of me was glad Milwaukee got it done. Their team-building approach—homegrown talent supplemented by savvy trades—is a model more franchises should follow.
In the end, the 2021 NBA Finals stood out not just for the spectacular basketball but for its purity. No one could point to a shortened season, bubble conditions, or key absences to diminish the Bucks’ achievement. They won because they were the better team when it mattered, and as a longtime observer, that’s the kind of outcome that stays with you. It’s a reminder that in sports, as in life, the most satisfying victories are those earned without caveats.