For the first time in 50 years, the Milwaukee Bucks are NBA Champions. The Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 105-98 to win the series 4-2 and earn the trophy.
The series was very competitive and high-scoring as both teams scored over 100 points in every game except for one. This was Phoenix’s first Finals appearance in 28 years, and point guard Chris Paul’s first Finals appearance of his career. The Suns were off to a hot start, winning their first two home games to take a 2-0 series lead. However, the Bucks found their focus as the series went back to Milwaukee and they never looked back.
After the win, the Bucks and the city of Milwaukee celebrated in style. Thousands of Bucks fans turned out for the championship celebration as the players paraded through the streets in buses and flatbed trucks. Reigning regular-season MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the team were showered with chants of “Bucks in 6!” and “MVP!”.
The Finals MVP played tremendously during the Finals, averaging over 35 points and 13 rebounds per game. He made over 50 percent of his shots from the floor en route to his first Finals championship and Finals MVP honors. He did so with a team who gradually, over the years, exhibited smart drafting and key role player signings.
Those role players ended up making a huge impact in the series. Bobby Portis, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton made their presence known throughout the series by making key shots and playing cutthroat defense. The Bucks played excellent all-around team basketball and the Suns just could not match the intensity.
The Suns played valiantly in a losing effort. Chris Paul shined in his first Finals appearance, averaging almost 22 points per game on over 50 percent shooting and 8 assists per game. This was also the first Finals appearance for Phoenix rising star Devin Booker. The former Kentucky Wildcat put up over 28 points per game in the Finals, but struggled with his shooting in a couple of games including the decisive Game 6 where he shot only 36 percent from the floor. “I haven’t felt a hurt like this in my life,” Booker said to reporters following the loss.
Both teams look to this offseason to further improve their roster for next year. Phoenix hopes to make it back to the Finals and win the big one, while Milwaukee looks to defend their throne as the NBA’s best.
The Bucks are expected to bring their big three (Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday) back next season along with a couple of other minor role players. However, other players like the aforementioned Portis and Bryn Forbes are expected to test the free-agency market this offseason in hopes of a good contract after their performances in the Finals.
The Suns have some decisions to make as well. While Chris Paul and Devin Booker are all but guaranteed to return next season, Paul may choose to renegotiate his contract and it is even possible he will see what other teams have to offer contractually. Breakout playoffs star Deandre Ayton played outstanding in this postseason and could be looking to return with maximum contact. If both teams secure their core talent, they will have a great chance at success again next season.
Kris Johnson
Intern