The 2021 NBA Finals are finally upon us, which means it is time for the TGH staff to make their predictions for the eventual champion and Finals MVP. Listed here are summaries of the Suns’ and Bucks’ playoff runs so far and forecasts of how the 2021 NBA Finals will play out.
Zachary Russell (NBA writer)
The 2021 NBA Finals have a great chance at being one of the best in recent memory. An exciting NBA playoffs, despite notable injuries, led to a matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, two franchises starved of championship success.
The Suns enter the Finals well-rested and clicking on all cylinders. Behind Chris Paul’s leadership and savvy in his first season with the team, Phoenix has been elevated to a new level. Paul’s passing and court vision, Devin Booker’s pure scoring ability, and DeAndre Ayton’s post presence along with a deep bench make the Sun’s a well-rounded offense that is tough to slow down.
Finals MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ben Hendricks (VP of Sports Content)
The Phoenix Suns are well rested and ready to capture their first-ever NBA title. Under the leadership and tutelage of Chris Paul, the team is a well-oiled machine on offense. Defensively, they have been, without question, one of the best teams in the playoffs.
Ayton is a throw-back post player that will get his buckets and grab rebounds on both ends. Booker is a walking bucket that can score on every level. Jae Crowder is a true three-and-D wing and a veteran presence that can keep things level when Paul is not on the court. Role players like Cam Payne and Mikal Bridges do their job and more. In short, there is not a lot they need to feel anxious about.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, has proven to be resilient. After losing by 39 in Game 2 of the Conference Semifinals, they refused to be shaken, eventually taking the series in overtime of a Game 7 classic. Despite losing Giannis Antetokounmpo, they shook off the upstart Atlanta Hawks. The Bucks have shaken the playoff monkey off of their back to reach the NBA Finals, finally.
Khris Middleton is streaky, yes, but the myriad criticisms have not gotten to him. He can still close out the game if the rest of the offense is struggling. Robin Lopez is still good for a huge game, both in the paint and outside the arc. Jrue Holiday is a glue guy who is earning his paycheck. If P.J. Tucker is capable of locking Kevin Durant up, then he can run with the very best of the Suns’ roster.
Their shot at winning the Finals, though, rests on the hyperextended knee of Antetokoumpo. The two-time MVP surprised everyone and played in Game 1 and managed to put up a double-double. Unless his injury gets worse, he may not miss any more time, which is great. The Bucks can win with an 80 percent capacity Giannis, but he will need to dig down deep and play as if he is not injured to ensure victory.
That is extremely unlikely, though. Antetokounmpo is very guardable if he is not operating at full health, and the Suns can use that. Phoenix is healthier, more rested and do not have a weakness that the Bucks can exploit to the tune of four wins. This will be a fun series and it will not be a quick one, but Chris Paul will finally win his ring in 2021.
Prediction: Suns-4, Bucks-2
Finals MVP: Chris Paul
Andrew Hess (Washington Wizards writer)
The Phoenix Suns may have had a bit of luck with Anthony Davis, Lebron James, Jamal Murray and Kawhi Leonard being out when they faced their respective teams, but their dominance along the way has still been impressive. They have had an answer for anything teams have thrown at them, and outside of their big three of Chris Paul, Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, they have shooters for days. Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges can all light it up from deep on any given night. Additionally, Paul and Ayton in the pick and roll is a nearly unstoppable force.
The Milwaukee Bucks have dealt with adversity all throughout the playoffs and defeated the presumptive favorite Brooklyn Nets in the second round, albeit partially due to injuries to Kyrie Irving and James Harden. After losing two-time MVP Giannis Antetetokounmpo in game three of the conference finals, they showed their doubters they were worthy of contender status, as Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday closed out the series with ease with dominant performances in games five and six.
This series poses an interesting matchup for both teams, as they are both facing what is easily the best defensive team they have played in the postseason thus far. They are fairly equally equipped and consistent on that end of the floor, this series will be mostly decided by offense. Chris Paul will look to exploit Milwaukee’s less versatile defenders (Brook Lopez and Bryn Forbes in particular) by bringing them into the pick and roll and forcing them into unfavorable matchups. The Bucks also allow many open mid-range jumpers on defensively, and this is a spot on the floor where Paul and Booker thrive. Expect Paul to put on a masterclass on offense and lead the Suns to a convincing victory. The Bucks just are not equipped to handle the level of firepower and basketball IQ this team collectively possesses.
Prediction: Suns-4, Bucks-2
Finals MVP: Chris Paul
Featured Image courtesy of Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
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