BUCKS IN 6!

DELAYBARO NOTES (GAME 6: NBA FINALS • 7/20/21)

• Giannis Antetokounmpo is an all-timer at just 26 years old.

An historic Finals campaign capped off a 3-year stretch in which he captured 2 MVP trophies, an ASG MVP award, a title & Finals MVP - as good a run as anyone’s had in league history.

But it’s not just the end result that’s impressive. His well-documented journey as a little-known prospect in Greece to DIFFERENT BREED superstar & NBA Champion featured perhaps the greatest example of skill development we’ve ever seen.

The 2021 Finals showcased it all: Giannis was impossible to stop at the 5 spot: used his speed and quickness to relentlessly attack PHX’s bigs. But when that option became unavailable (at times) during Game 6, he converted midrange Js, foul shots (17/19!) & served as MIL’s #1 rim protector on defense. The culmination of Giannis’s talent was shown during the most high stakes game of his career. With Kareem-like numbers on the way to Milwaukee’s first Larry since 1971, it’s already time to consider his place amongst the greatest to ever play.

• Khris Middleton & Jrue Holiday consistently stepped up, Coach Bud made necessary adjustments.

There wasn't really a main knock on Khris Middleton coming into this season, despite Milwaukee having limited playoff success before 2021. To me, Middleton’s always been that classic, “under the radar” player to most casual observers. But since I follow a little closer + he reigns in my squad’s (Bulls) division, I’ve watched a lot of games w/ both Middleton & Giannis on the come up.

It was satisfying to watch Middleton shine on the biggest stage, mainly because he has the game to match. Difficult, contested (made) jumpers when the going gets tough, primary or secondary ball-handling, strong defense and a 24/7 poker face that serves as a calming presence. Plus, dropping a 40-piece puts you in elite company.

Huge congrats to both Jrue Holiday & Coach Mike Budenholzer, both of whom proved to be key difference-makers throughout the title run. Holiday, without a doubt, was an upgrade/missing piece/(whatever other superlative you’d like to use) over Eric Bledsoe but moreso in his ability to stay reliable and bounce back after a tough shooting performance. Since his defense never wavers, Holiday scoring & assisting at an A+ level (like in Game 5) is just that much of an added boost to MIL’s prospects. An easy player to root for who truly earned it all.

Coach Bud deserves a ton of praise for his adjustments during the Finals - including both Giannis at the 5 and relying more upon size up front with Giannis, Bobby Portis & Brook Lopez to overwhelm the much smaller Phoenix Suns. He also made a point to attack Deandre Ayton early & often, relegating Phoenix’s starting center to a limited or, at least, inconsistent impact during the latter part of the series.

From the hot seat to an NBA title & guaranteed extension…that’s impressive.

• Huge, huge shoutout to former Bull Bobby Portis!

Portis really has that quintessential “role player” game. It took a couple different spots to cultivate it but Portis worked on his game & mentality to channel effective energy on the court. He accounted for ALL 16 of MIL’s bench points to help capture the title - UnderDOG —> NBA Champ!

2020-21 MILWAUKEE BUCKS

FINAL ROSTER 🏆

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO • DIFFERENT BREED, NBA CHAMPION, FINALS MVP!, 2x MVP, 5x All-Star, DPOY

KHRIS MIDDLETON • TOP DOG, NBA CHAMPION, 2x All-Star

JRUE HOLIDAY • HYBRID, NBA CHAMPION, 1x All-Star, All-Defensive 1st Team

BROOK LOPEZ • HYBRID, NBA CHAMPION, 1x All-Star

PJ TUCKER • HYBRID, NBA CHAMPION

BOBBY PORTIS • STAR UNDERDOG, NBA CHAMPION

PAT CONNAUGHTON • STAR UNDERDOG, NBA CHAMPION

DONTE DIVINCENZO • STAR UNDERDOG, NBA CHAMPION, 2x NCAA CHAMPION

BRYN FORBES • STAR UNDERDOG, NBA CHAMPION

JEFF TEAGUE • SALTY DOG, NBA CHAMPION, 1x All-Star

THANASIS ANTETOKOUNMPO • UNDERDOG, NBA CHAMPION

JORDAN NWORA • ROOK, NBA CHAMPION

JUSTIN JACKSON • UNDERDOG, NBA CHAMPION, NCAA CHAMPION

MAMADI DIAKITE • ROOK, NBA CHAMPION, NCAA CHAMPION

SAM MERRILL • ROOK, NBA CHAMPION

ELIJAH BRYANT • ROOK, NBA CHAMPION

AXEL TOUPANE • UNDERDOG, NBA CHAMPION