The Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns, 105-98 in game 6 of the NBA Finals after heroic efforts from Antetokounmpo to win the series, four games to two on Tuesday. This is Milwaukee’s first championship title since 1971. The Bucks became only the fifth NBA team to lose the first two games of a Finals series and then win the title.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s heroic effort in the finals
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the star performer who led Bucks to a historic victory. Antetokounmpo scored 50 points, nearly half of his team’s points. It was a complete dominance from the 26-year-old, who delivered one of the best performances in the NBA Finals. He also became the first player ever to record 50 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in a playoff game, per ESPN Stats and Info.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, collected 14 rebounds and had five blocks, made an unbelievable 17-of-19 free throw, and produced a career-defining effort. His 50 points were the sixth-highest scoring performance in Finals history. Antetokounmpo was named Finals MVP for his heroic effort. Khris Middleton scored 17 points, and Bobby Portis added 16 points off of the bench for Bucks in Game 6.
“People told me I can’t make free throws and I made them tonight. And I’m a freaking champion,” Antetokounmpo said.
After taking the lead 2-0 over Milwaukee in the series, the Suns dropped four straight games. Chris Paul tried hard but couldn’t get through the finish line. He collected 26 points and five assists in Game 6. This was the fourth time Paul’s team has lost a best-of-seven series after the lead of 2-0.
“Nobody probably expected us to be where we are except for us. But it is what it is. Like I said all season long with our team, ain’t no moral victories.” Paul said.
Antetokounmpo joins Michael Jordan as the only two players who have scored at least 33 points in a half of a Finals game in NBA history. Also, they are the only players to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP, and All-Star Game MVP.
“I want to thank Milwaukee for believing in me, thank my teammates They played hard every freaking game. I trusted this team and I wanted to do it here in this city, I wanted to do it with these guys, so I’m happy. I’m happy that we were able to get it done,” said Antetokounmpo after winning the Finals MVP award.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said: “I think it’s just a credit to the players. We’ve been pushing. We’ve been trying to get better. The players embrace everything. They’re amazingly coachable. They take it, soak it in and make the best of it.”
