Top 10 memorable moments of 2021 for the Milwaukee Bucks
Top 10 moments of 2021 for the Milwaukee Bucks: 4. Advancing to the 2021 NBA Finals
It’s always special when you book your ticket to the NBA Finals, and the Milwaukee Bucks did just that in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on the road against the Atlanta Hawks while going through adversity.
Without bona fide superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks resiliently pulled away to earn the 118-107 victory and clinch an NBA Finals berth for the first time since 1974.
It was disheartening when Antetokounmpo hyperextended his left knee in what was thought to be a season-ending injury in Game 4 of the series, but the rest of the Bucks stepped up when they were needed most.
Khris Middleton had a game-high 32 points, Jrue Holiday had 27 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds, Jeff Teague unexpectedly played great, and Bobby Portis followed up his playoff career-high 22 points in Game 5 with 12 points and nine rebounds in Game 6.
It had been a pleasure watching this Bucks team come together as the season progressed, but this game was an impressive team performance that shed light on who they are and what they’re capable of. It was fascinating to see the Bucks adjust, overcome adversity, and unlock history while setting up an anticipating Finals matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Top 10 moments of 2021 for the Milwaukee Bucks: 3. “Blocked by Antetokounmpo”
During Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo executed another iconic, historical moment by blocking Deandre Ayton’s dunk attempt during crunch time. Antetokounmpo has always been known for doing freakish things on the basketball court, but this play was just out of this world.
Ayton initiated the offensive set by handing it off to Devin Booker behind the arc, then began to roll toward the basket. As Booker penetrated to his right, Antetokounmpo shifted over to help defensively but shifted too high.
Booker immediately realized the opportunity and threw a lob pass to Ayton near the basket, but as Ayton was ready to flush it, Antetokounmpo miraculously recovered, made up the space, and delivered an unreal block at full stretch to deny the bucket.
Only a play that Giannis Antetokounmpo could execute. It will go down as a legendary block that was heard around the world as the “shot blocked by Antetokounmpo!” and it will be talked about for the rest of his life. The Milwaukee Bucks will never forget this one.