MANILA – Giannis Antetokounmpo lifted Milwaukee Bucks to its first NBA title in 50 years after ousting the Phoenix Suns, 105-98, in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals on Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Bucks wrapped up the best-of-seven championship series at 4-2 after dominating their last four matches on their way to their first NBA crown since 1971.
Antetokounmpo was hailed the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) after delivering one of the finest performances in the Finals with 50 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and two assists in 42 minutes of action for Bucks.
Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis Jr. tallied 17 and 16 markers, respectively. Jrue Holiday had 12 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, while Brook Lopez scored 10 for the Bucks.
Milwaukee set the tone early with an 18-11 start via inside hits by Antetokounmpo and Middleton. Portis’ 10 points widened the lead to 29-16.
However, the Suns turned things around in the second quarter behind conversions by Cameron Payne and Chris Paul to tie the count at 33-all. The Suns then took the lead at 45-40 at the half.
The Bucks banked on a solid third-quarter showing by Antetokounmpo to reclaim the advantage at 77-71, but the Suns responded with six straight points to force a deadlock heading into the fourth quarter.
Both teams traded baskets to start the fourth quarter for an 82-all score before the Bucks surged to a 90-84 lead on consecutive hits by Portis and free throws by Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks continued their rampage and stretched the gap at 100-92 on hits by Antetokounmpo and Middleton. The Suns made their last push at 96-100, but a basket by Middleton and free throws by Holiday sealed the championship for Milwaukee.
Paul finished the game with 26 points, Devin Booker struggled with his shooting to end up with 19 points, while Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively, for the Suns.
BOX SCORE:
MILWAUKEE 105 – G. Antetokounmpo 50, Middleton 17, Portis 16, Holiday 12, Lopez 10, Tucker 0, Teague 0, Connaughton 0.
PHOENIX 98 – Paul 26, Booker 19, Crowder 15, Ayton 12, Payne 10, Bridges 7, Kaminsky 6, Johnson 3, Craig 0.
QUARTERSCORES:
29-16, 40-45, 77-77, 105-98./PN
