Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks just won the 2021 NBA title against the Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson knows the reasons how they were able to dominate.
According to Johnson, there were four key factors that led to the Bucks' title win. First and foremost, however, is Giannis' breakthrough in figuring out the “wall” defense against him that limits his activity under the rim. To recall, the Greek Freak scored just 20 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals series.
The Lakers icon also credited head coach Mike Budenholzer for his “superb” in-game adjustments in the playoffs. Lastly, Johnson expressed his belief that the additions of Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis and PJ Tucker, as well as the transformation of Khris Middleton to a closer catapulted the Bucks to the promised land.
The Milwaukee Bucks won for four reasons: 1) Giannis figured out how to beat the so called wall defense that had him confused before the playoffs 2) Coach Budenholzer got better in the playoffs and his in-game adjustments were superb
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 21, 2021
3) The additions of Jrue Holiday, PJ Tucker, and Bobby Portis and 4) Kris Middleton became the closer.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 21, 2021
For what it's worth, Magic Johnson is not wrong with his assessments. Giannis Antetokounmpo was virtually unstoppable starting Game 2 of the series, while Khris Middleton's clutch game has truly been impactful.
As for coach Mike Budenholzer, his in-game adjustments has long been criticized. In fact, Kendrick Perkins even raised concerns about the way Bud coaches, calling Milwaukee the “dumbest” team in NBA Finals history after going down 2-0 against the Suns. However, the way he used the rest of the squad–from PJ Tucker to Bobby Portis–certainly gave the team a huge boost and allowed them to win four straight.
The Bucks now get to enjoy the Larry O'Brien trophy 50 years since the franchise won their first championship. Sure, Giannis played a big part in that, but the rest of the team should definitely get credit.
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