Milwaukee Bucks Advance to NBA Finals for the First Time Since 1974

Milwaukee Bucks have defeated the Trae Young-led Atlanta Hawks in their best-of-seven series to advance to their first NBA finals in almost 50 years. The last time they were in the finals was in 1974.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks were still able to come out victorious after defeating the Hawks 118-107 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals over the weekend. Antetokounmpo appeared to have blown out his left knee in Game 4. His lack of presence was expected to blow any significant chance of the Bucks winning the series. However, forward Khris Middleton and center Brook Lopez were amongst the members of the team that have stepped up.

In the final game, Middleton scored 23 of his 32 points in the third quarter, while guard Jrue Holiday scored 27 points throughout the game. The Hawks’ frontrunner Trae Young missed Games 4 and 5 of the series due to a bone bruise in his right foot. In the sixth game, he only shot 4 of 17 from the field and missed all six of his three-pointers, finishing the match with only 14 points. The Bucks came out of the gate with a 15-4 run, continuing to lead throughout the whole game.

Throughout the years, the Bucks have been dealt with high stakes throughout the post-season. Despite Antetokounmpo’s incredible performance during the regular season, the Bucks have fallen short of the finals in the past five years. Many were quick to criticize the coaching staff, as well as the Bucks’ performances and playoff failures, however, with the latest Eastern Conference Finals win, the same critics have been temporarily silenced

It remains to be seen who will take home the final trophy for the 2020-21 NBA season. The Milwaukee Bucks will face off against the Phoenix Suns, contending Devin Booker and Chris Paul in Game 1 of the NBA finals on July 6.