The Basketball Movement previews the 2021 NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.
Will the 2021 NBA Champions be the best team or the healthiest? Ahead of the 2021 NBA Finals showdown, starting tonight on ABC (8:00 pm CST), the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most significant talking point. The two-time MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo’s presence may be the deciding factor as the 2021 NBA Playoffs conclude.
“The Greek Freak” appeared to hyperextend his knee in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks. However, the Bucks’ supporting cast was still able to put away the seemingly overachieving Hawks.
A banged-up Trae Young made an impact in the ECF as well, as injuries continue to be an unfortunate theme in these playoffs. More on that once we dive into how the Phoenix Suns arrived in the Finals.
Assuming Antetokounmpo can play, this will be a highly competitive series. Giannis has struggled with his jumper and free throws but has the size to punish anyone on the Suns’ roster in the paint, with perhaps the exception of Deandre Ayton, who has enjoyed an impressive playoff run.
If the Bucks’ star cannot go, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday will be forced into a prominent role on offense. Both struggled at times quarter-to-quarter in the games without Giannis but ultimately were able to put together good enough performances to propel Milwaukee to victory.
Phoenix has had the luxury of barely any Anthony Davis in round one, no Jamal Murray in round two, and no Kawhi Leonard in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Clippers. Although, of course, the Suns are red-hot, so we should not credit injuries for too much of their success, but if they do not have to face Antetokounmpo? That is a fortunate title run.
Chris Paul is chasing his first ring in his storied 16 seasons. Statistically an all-time great, he has always passed the eye test as an elite leader as well. If he can pull off a championship as a veteran, it will cement his status as one of the best point guards of his generation.
Paired with Paul in the backcourt is Phoenix’s leading scorer, Devin Booker. Young, but a proven star, Booker makes for a nasty 1-2 backcourt punch with Paul. Milwaukee’s perimeter defense will be a key in the series. One of the most capable defensive teams in the league, the Bucks will face a difficult task - one that they did not have to meet earlier in James Harden and Kyrie Irving thanks once more to injuries.
If Antetokounmpo can go - look for the Bucks to lean heavily on the drive-and-kick approach. Milwaukee is a lethal three-point shooting team, but so much of that comes from Giannis’ ability to dominate the paint. If he cannot go - Milwaukee will be scrambling to see who of Middleton, Holiday, or even Brook Lopez can step up and keep the series competitive.
For the Suns, it will be all about Paul and Booker trying to break free of Jrue Holiday’s stifling defense. If either player can get it going, and Deandre Ayton is able to do his part and secure the paint, they will be able to play the way they want and have a fighting chance. The Suns’ role players have played well despite relative inexperience. That must continue in these Finals.
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