NBA Finals Preview: Suns and Bucks to compete for chance to break long title drought
The NBA Finals are officially set to start on Tuesday night after a gruelling post season full of upsets. Although this isn’t the matchup many expected, both teams thoroughly deserve to be here and an exciting series awaits.
Milwaukee and Phoenix have looked convincing all post season, with both teams completing a sweep in round one (Miami) and two (Denver) respectively. The Suns defeated the defending champion Lakers, whereas the Bucks edged the favoured Nets in a tight game seven. Although injuries played a role in these series, both Chris Paul (health and safety protocols) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (hyperextended left knee) missed considerable time in the conference finals. Despite this, The Clippers and Hawks were both dispatched in six games.
Below are three players that will play a huge factor in deciding the 2021 NBA Champion:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
When Giannis went down in game 4 of the ECF holding his knee after a collision with Clint Capela, many feared that he had suffered a season ending ACL injury. The fact that there has been whispers he could return for game 1 is nothing short of a miracle. It was even rumoured that he may have played in a potential game 7 against Atlanta.
A player of Giannis’ stature is always going to be sorely missed by any team. The two time MVP has averaged 28.2 points and 12.7 rebounds during the post season and is by far the best player in the Finals. He also averaged 40 points over two games against the Suns during the regular season, although they lost both games. When he does return, it will remain to be seen if he is 100% fit. Regardless, the Bucks need him on the court if they want to win their first championship since 1971.
Khris Middleton
If Giannis doesn’t return straight away, a lot will rest on two time all star Khris Middleton’s shoulders. The 6”7” forward tends to be either hot or cold, with his game 6 performance to clinch the series against the Hawks the best example of this. After a quiet first half, Atlanta had no answer for him in the third quarter, when he scored 23 of his 32 points.
If Middleton consistently performs throughout the series, Milwaukee should have no worries when it comes to deferring to their second star as a ball handler and a scorer.
Deandre Ayton
The 2018 1st overall pick has had a historic first playoff run, shooting an unprecedented 70.6% from the field, the highest in NBA history by a wide margin. This is mainly due to his imposing presence in the paint, where he has the strength and speed to outmuscle most players in the league.
However, his defensive prowess will be mainly needed to keep players such as Giannis, Lopez and Portis at bay. The Bucks have averaged 50.9 points in the paint during the post season and the Suns center will have a huge role to play if they want to nullify this part of Milwaukee’s game. Giannis has shot just 40% when Ayton has guarded him, compared to his 56.9% career average. If he can hold the Bucks star to similar efficiency in this series, Phoenix will have a great chance to win their first championship in franchise history.
