The 2021 NBA Finals Preview: Bucks vs. Suns

It’s fitting that one of the more chaotic NBA seasons should end with an unlikely Finals matchup.

Admittedly, I had neither of these teams to be the remaining two that we’d see play against each other for the title this year. But I’m not surprised either. With an NBA season marred by high-profile injuries to star players, it’s fitting that the healthiest teams in this years’ NBA playoffs are the last two standing.

There’s a little bit of everything for all NBA fans in this year’s edition of the Finals — superstar players with legacies on the line, emerging stars with big playoff performances looking to cement their place in the NBA, and great basketball being played on both ends from both teams.

With neither team having any NBA Champion on their respective rosters, we’re set to have an epic series filled with career-defining moments in these Finals.

1. Will Chris Paul finally get his ring?

Chris Paul will go down as one of the greatest point guards to have ever played in the NBA, with a decorated career highlighted by his play and leadership that’s elevated every team that he has been with.

The one thing that’s missing from the resume? That elusive championship ring.

After suffering through some major playoff heartbreaks and being cast aside only two years ago as “the worst contract in sports”, at age 36, in his first-ever Finals run, the Point God has a chance to complete the redemption arc and cap off his career with an NBA Championship for the Suns.

2. How will Giannis play after the injury?

Initially listed as doubtful heading into the first game of the series, Giannis would end up being added late to the lineup, playing 35 minutes for 20 points, 17 boards, and 1 spectacular block!

He looked AWESOME out there. Seriously, how does anyone come back from an injury like this:

And then come back a week later to do THIS:

Whether or not the injury can be aggravated will be something that’s closely monitored, but just going by the eye test, he looks pretty damn good and the chance at a title will be more than enough motivation to play through pain.

3. The Co-Stars on the Big Stage.

Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton

I’m expecting Booker to go off during this run. He’s had big performances already during these playoffs (47 to close out the Lakers and a 40 point, triple-double in Game 1 against the Clippers), and in his first playoff run there’s no doubt that Booker’s game was made for playoff basketball.

I’m looking forward to seeing the defining “42 Points Devin Booker Finals Game” and with #BeLegendary tagged on his Kobes, you know he’ll be wanting to deliver a big-time performance in honour of the Black Mamba.

Arguably though, Ayton might be the Suns’ most important player. He’s emerged as a bonafide star in these playoffs, holding his own against the likes of Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic, and proving to everyone why he was the #1 pick in a draft class headlined by Luka Doncic and Trae Young.

What I love about Ayton is that he executes the 3 Rs (Roll to the rim, Run the floor, and Rebound) all at a high level and if he continues his strong play, it could prove to be a nightmare for the Bucks to defend against when he’s operating with CP3 in the pick and roll.

Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday

On the other side, the Bucks will need their two co-stars to shine and carry some of the offensive load to help out Giannis.

A swiss-army knife on offense, Middleton has been seriously underrated as a scorer throughout his career. When Middleton plays well, the Bucks play well and after holding his own in key games during the Nets and Hawks series, expect him to continue making strides in the national spotlight and showcase his offensive skill set in these Finals.

I believe though that the key for the Bucks to win lies with Jrue Holiday.

It’s no secret that Jrue Holiday is a GREAT basketball player — check Game 6 against Atlanta for the complete Jrue Holiday experience — but if the Bucks want to win this year’s title, they’ll need Jrue to play aggressively, flying all over the court and being an absolute destroyer on both sides of the ball to put further pressure on his opposing guards.

4. What About the Others?

The Phoenix Suns

I didn’t realise how deep the Suns’ were until I tuned in and watched them throughout these playoffs but man, they have a great roster.

In the starting lineup, Jae Crowder provides some great veteran leadership as the only member of either side to appear in an NBA Finals, while Mikal Bridges serves as the perfect modern-day role-playing wing. And with the Camerons, Payne and Johnson, being great spark plugs off the bench for Phoenix, the Suns can alter and change their identity to match up well against any team that they face.

The Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee’s depth starts with Brook Lopez, who deserves love for his versatility and doing everything that’s been asked of him, whether spacing the floor as a corner specialist or stepping in and playing as a big-man inside. He’ll be an important part of the Bucks’ defense against the Suns, and there’ll be plenty asked of him whether it’s being switched onto Paul or Booker in a mismatch or defending against the Ayton rim run.

The Bucks will also need their shooters (Tucker, Connaughton, Portis, and Forbes) to be on point. They’ll all be hunted for mismatches by Paul and Booker, but if their jumpers are falling, it’ll be hard to take them out of the game as the threat of their shooting can free up their stars on offense. Look for both Connaughton and Forbes to play bigger minutes alongside Giannis, Middleton, and Holiday in a Bucks small-ball lineup.

My Prediction

I’m picking the Suns in 5.

They’re a smart team, headed by an all-time point guard, an explosive scorer, and a versatile big man, with a great supporting cast. Paul and Booker will live in the midrange or hunt for mismatches all game, depending on what the Bucks give them on defense and the Bucks will need to execute to give themselves a chance against a team that makes very little mistakes in the half court.

I’d love to see Giannis dominate and be an absolute terrorising force on both ends but he’ll need his supporting cast to step up and knock down their 3s to give him the best opportunity to operate.

One thing is for sure though, with both teams’ star players fully healthy, we’re due for an epic Finals series, where we’ll see a new NBA Champion crowned at the end of this series. Happy NBA Finals!