For the first time since 1974, the Milwaukee Bucks are in the NBA Finals. But the Bucks’ last title came all the way back in 1971, when they were led by the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, and Bob Dandridge. The Bucks have been knocking on the door of a title for a number of years, but this year presents their best chance yet of winning the franchise’s second championship.
After an offseason trade for Jrue Holiday, the Bucks look poised for a Finals appearance with Giannis Antetokounmpo fresh from winning his second MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year trophy and Khris Middleton coming off another All-Star appearance. After facing challenges from the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and the Atlanta Hawks, the Bucks are four wins away from the title. Antetokounmpo’s injury and uncertain status, however, remains the biggest question heading into the Finals. But there are still ways through which the Bucks can take down the favored Phoenix Suns. Here are some of them:
1. Their elite defense
Even though the status of Antetokounmpo, last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, remains up in the air, the Bucks have several players that can shore up their defense. Holiday, Middleton, Book Lopez, and PJ Tucker are all capable defenders who made this Milwaukee defense different from their past playoff teams. Throughout the Western Conference playoffs, teams have been unable to stop Chris Paul for taking over for the Suns.
But in Holiday, the Bucks have someone who can at least make the Point God work hard to get his usual numbers. After Hawks All-Star Trae Young torched him with 48 points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the former Sixers and Pelicans guard defended him much better in the succeeding games in the series, as he shot just 46.1% from the field and made just seven of 22 tries from beyond the arc before his injury. Booker and Paul are two of the league’s best players who will still get their numbers, but the Bucks defense gives them their toughest test of these playoffs.
2. They can get easy baskets
The Bucks thrive in the open court when they get easy baskets off steals or turnovers and missed shots by opponents, especially with the Greek Freak rolling towards the basket. With his status in the Finals unclear, Milwaukee needs to rely more on their transition offense, especially when their three-pointers aren’t falling.
Expect Milwaukee to push the pace even without Antetokoumnpo in the lineup, as it has worked for them throughout the season. The Suns, meanwhile, give up a lot of points in transition, something that the Bucks will take advantage of. If their defense forces a lot of missed shots and turnovers, then expect one of their players to always be leaking out behind the defense and ready to take advantage to score an easy basket.
3. Giannis will not waste his chance to be a champion
When asked about the two-time MVP’s status, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said that he remains “day-to-day.” Even if Antetokounmpo plays, it’s unclear how close he is to his MVP form, especially after a scary-looking injury in the Conference Finals that resulted in a hyperextended left knee. Thankfully, there is no structural damage to his knee and there is a chance for him to return, especially later on in the series.
The longer the series progresses, the higher the chances of Antetokounmpo’s return. Game 3 in Milwaukee will take place almost two weeks after he suffered the injury. The five-time All-Star has never been closer to an NBA title, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to the court and try to deliver a championship for the Bucks. While Paul’s legacy is on the line in these Finals, the 26-year-old is also highly motivated to finally silence those who doubt his ability to win a title. If he suits up for the Eastern Conference champions, they should have the best player in the series, which could be the difference-maker in what should be an exciting Finals.
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