The Milwaukee Bucks won 15 games the season Giannis was drafted to the team. Eight seasons later the title that has eluded the Milwaukee Bucks franchise for 50 years is finally in their possession. Giannis put up historic averages for the series 35.2 points 13.2 rebounds and 5 assists per game while shooting 61.8%, the first player in NBA history to do so. Giannis also put up 50 points in a closeout game in the finals, which hasn’t been done since Bob Petit did it in the 1958 NBA finals against the Celtics. Making 17-19 from the line in such a meaningful game, we gotta call this a clutch, dominating performance by Giannis. Giannis was quoted tonight saying, “People told me I can’t make free throws and I made them tonight, and I’m a freaking champion.”
The Milwaukee Bucks made a key trade that is not being talked about enough. When acquiring Southern California’s own Jrue Holiday, they got the last piece of the big 3 they needed to compete for a title. In Holiday, they have the best on ball defender not named Kawhi Leonard, and he also distributes the ball well, and is a very capable scorer. Holiday harassed Chris Paul repeatedly throughout this series forcing him into tough shots and turnovers. Khris Middleton well known for his inconsistent play, had multiple huge games along this run to the title, and has now solidified his all star status with victory. Chris Paul came up short in probably the most opportune time for him to win a title. Paul already was quoted saying he will return next season in his post game interview, but you have to wonder would that Phoenix team be out of the first round if Anthony Davis plays. Young Devin Booker played well overall in the playoffs, but couldn’t perform in game 6 when they needed him most with and underwhelming 19 points on 8-22 from the field missing all 7 of his 3 point attempts.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the star of all stars tonight. He is now only the 3rd player in NBA history to win defensive player of the year, MVP, and finals MVP. Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon are the other 2 to achieve that feat. Some may have an asterisk next to this win because of all of the injuries to the superstars in the playoffs this season. That feeling may have some legitimacy because of the number of injuries, but there are key injuries to key players every season in the NBA, so yes this is a legit title for the Greek Superstar. Can we call Giannis the best player in the league? No, coming back next year and repeating defeating a healthy Nets squad, and defeating either a healthy Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, or even a Phoenix Suns Squad in the finals next year. Giannis deserves his flowers for his historical performance in the finals, and his historic game 6, even after hyperextending his knee in the eastern conference finals. Thanos proven to be unstoppable on the basketball court this NBA finals.
