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Giannis on Supermax Contract with Bucks: 'I Couldn't Leave ... This Is the Hard Way'

Jul 21, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo smiles while holding the NBA Championship trophy, left, and Most Valuable Player trophy after defeating the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The Bucks won 105-98. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo smiles while holding the NBA Championship trophy, left, and Most Valuable Player trophy after defeating the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The Bucks won 105-98. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

After leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship since 1971 and being named NBA Finals MVP on Tuesday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo justified the path he chose this offseason.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Giannis said the following when asked about signing a supermax contract extension with the Bucks last year: "I couldn't leave. … I wanted to get the job done."

Per Bontemps, Giannis added: "I could've gone to a superteam … but this is the hard way to do it, and I did it."

Antetokounmpo lit the Phoenix Suns up for 50 points and 14 rebounds in Tuesday's 105-98 win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, sealing Milwaukee's championship and his own NBA Finals MVP award.

After the Bucks' playoff failures in the previous two seasons, there was a school of thought that Giannis would skip town, form a superteam elsewhere and attempt to win championships that way.

It has become commonplace in the NBA for star players to link up in the name of winning titles, starting with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh coming together to win two championships with the Miami Heat.

The Golden State Warriors did it when Kevin Durant joined a team that already had Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green—and had already won a title. That decision yielded two more championships.

The latest example resides in Brooklyn, as the Nets signed both Durant and Kyrie Irving before the 2019-20 season and traded for James Harden during the 2020-21 campaign.

Giannis could have gone that route and perhaps had an easier time winning a championship, but he decided to stay with the franchise that believed in him from the start after selecting him with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

The 26-year-old superstar showed gradual progression throughout his career, making his first All-Star appearance in 2016-17 and then winning the NBA MVP award in both 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Milwaukee posted the best record in the NBA in both 2018-19 and 2019-20 only to fall short of the NBA Finals, losing in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019 and the second round in 2020.

Even so, Giannis and the Bucks stayed the course, and the front office added to the core of Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton by acquiring guard Jrue Holiday in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, signing both Bryn Forbes and Bobby Portis, and trading for P.J. Tucker during the season.

There was some doubt whether those moves would be able to put the Bucks over the top, especially with teams around them such as the Nets making even bigger headlines after trading for Harden.

The Bucks got past KD, Kyrie and Harden in the second round of the playoffs, though, and overcame Giannis missing two games due to injury in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks to make it all the way to the NBA Finals.

Milwaukee lost the first two games of the NBA Finals, but Giannis took over, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists in six Finals games.

Winning a championship in any way is meaningful, but the fact that Giannis did it with the team that drafted him and brought the Bucks their first title in 50 years made it even more special.

Milwaukee Bucks Win 2021 NBA Finals: Score, Celebration Highlights, Twitter Reaction

Jul 21, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reads with the championship trophy after defeating the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The Bucks won 105-98. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reads with the championship trophy after defeating the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The Bucks won 105-98. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 50 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their second-ever NBA championship following a 105-98 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday.

It was a remarkable performance for the 26-year-old, whose sterling resume had already included back-to-back regular-season MVP awards, five All-NBA team nods and four All-NBA Defensive Team recognitions, among other accolades.

Now his legacy includes an NBA Finals MVP award and his first-ever NBA title.

Naturally, Antetokounmpo was emotional following the big win.

Antetokounmpo's teammates and the Fiserv Forum faithful also roared when he was announced as the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP:

The Bucks turned it up in the locker room, with Antetokounmpo leading the charge:

Giannis kept those vibes going into the interview room:

Prior to the game, the Bucks expanded their "Deer District," an outdoor fan section for denizens to gather outside the arena, to a 65,000-person capacity.

That throng was thrilled to see the Bucks finally win the title:

As great as the Bucks were as a team, though, Giannis' greatness stands out as the most prominent theme. Many people acknowledged Antetokounmpo's legendary status in tweets following the game:

https://twitter.com/SheaSerrano/status/1417704075815231491

He also received some congratulations from all-time greats:

Suns head coach Monty Williams even came into the locker room to congratulate Giannis and the Bucks:

Antetokounmpo also reacted to his championship himself after his journey from a child in Greece to finding his way to the pros and then the league's mountaintop.

Antetokounmpo ultimately led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years. Milwaukee last won in 1971, when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to a four-game NBA Finals sweep over the Baltimore Bullets.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Wins 2021 NBA Finals MVP After Dominant Performance

Jul 21, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes to the basket over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, bottom right, during the first half of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes to the basket over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, bottom right, during the first half of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Giannis Antetokounmpo's 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to their second-ever NBA championship after they defeated the Phoenix Suns 105-98 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday.

Unsurprisingly, Antetokounmpo won the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award:

In a shock to no one, Antetokounmpo's NBA Finals MVP vote was unanimous:

He averaged 35.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game en route to leading the Bucks to four straight wins after they initially fell behind 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.

On Tuesday, Antetokounmpo shot 16-of-25 from the field, scoring 20 points in the third quarter and 32 overall in the second half.

Most impressively, however, Antetokounmpo made 17 of 19 free throws. The 26-year-old had notably struggled from the free-throw line in the playoffs, making just 55.6 percent of his shots.

That wasn't a problem whatsoever Tuesday, as his clutch evening gave Milwaukee enough breathing room to earn their first championship since 1971.

Antetokounmpo already had a stacked resume that includes a pair of regular-season MVP awards and five All-NBA team honors.

Now he has an NBA championship and NBA Finals MVP award to his name.

There isn't a shortage of mind-bending statistical nuggets to share after Antetokounmpo's masterpiece. A few can be found below.

https://twitter.com/NBATheJump/status/1417694422574247937

Numerous current and former NBA greats praised Antetokounmpo for his effort during and after the game, including Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Stephen Curry:

In the end, Antetokounmpo delivered a legendary performance for the ages.

Giannis Dominant as Bucks Beat Chris Paul, Suns to Win 1st NBA Title Since 1971

Jul 21, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the second half of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the second half of Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns in Milwaukee, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA champions for the first time in 50 years.

Milwaukee defeated the Phoenix Suns 105-98 in Tuesday's Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum to clinch its first title since the 1970-71 campaign. Giannis Antetokounmpo was unstoppable during a legendary performance and led the way for the victors, who won four consecutive games after dropping the first two on the road.

The story was Antetokounmpo, who cemented his name alongside some of the all-time greats with a showing that will never be forgotten in Milwaukee.

A solid outing from Chris Paul was not enough for the Suns, who have lost all three of their NBA Finals appearances.

Notable Player Stats

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, MIL: 50 PTS, 14 REB, 5 BLK, 17-of-19 FT
  • Khris Middleton, F, MIL: 17 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL
  • Jrue Holiday, G, MIL: 12 PTS, 11 AST, 9 REB, 4 STL
  • Chris Paul, G, PHO: 26 PTS, 5 AST
  • Devin Booker, G, PHO: 19 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB

Giannis Brings Home Championship With All-Time Performance

The Larry O'Brien Trophy was in the building Tuesday and, with it, the chance at basketball immortality for Antetokounmpo.

Giannis had the opportunity to join none other than Michael Jordan as the only players in league history to build a resume that includes a Finals MVP, NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and All-Star Game MVP, and he wasted no time spinning his way into the lane, controlling the glass and swatting shots as Milwaukee built a double-digit lead in the first quarter.

There would be no blowout from the start, though, as Milwaukee's offense stopped getting to the rim and suddenly became stagnant on the way to 13 second-quarter points.

While Jrue Holiday excelled on defense, he was a brutal 1-of-11 from the field in the first half. Khris Middleton also picked up a third foul, and it became a game of getting bailed out by Antetokounmpo or bust for extended stretches.

Brook Lopez provided some help with a monster slam and multiple shots in the lane, but Giannis put on an absolute clinic in the third quarter. He shifted into takeover mode and poured in 20 points in the third alone with an array of drives, pull-up jumpers and uncharacteristically solid free-throw shooting.

His individual brilliance put the Bucks on the doorstep of a championship with the game tied entering the fourth quarter, and Bobby Portis kept a raucous crowd engaged while turning into the second option for much of the second half.

It was all about Antetokounmpo, though, as he racked up the blocks on defense and overpowered everyone the Suns threw at him on the other side with Shaq-like dominance. He was also cold-blooded on the free-throw line as he overcame his previous struggles that were such a major storyline throughout the playoffs.

It was an iconic effort from a player who is well on his way to an all-time career.

Suns Stars Can't Keep Pace With Giannis

For as dire as the situation seemed for the Suns entering play after three straight losses, they were just one win away from forcing a Game 7 at home and had a red-hot Devin Booker coming off two straight 40-point performances.

From dire to optimistic was the story of the first half for the visitors, as they scored a mere 16 points in the first quarter and had no answer for Holiday's perimeter defense and Milwaukee's combination of physicality and length in the frontcourt.

However, things dramatically changed in the second quarter as Phoenix turned a 13-point deficit into a five-point lead at intermission. Much of the turnaround could be attributed to the Suns' renewed efforts on the defensive side, but Paul also methodically worked his way to midrange spots and took advantage of screens to get more favorable matchups.

Throw in Cameron Payne providing an immediate spark off the bench, and Phoenix was in control even with an early quiet showing from Booker and initial struggles from Deandre Ayton.

That control didn't last through Antetokounmpo's onslaught in the third quarter, although the game was still tied entering the final quarter in large part because Booker woke up. He started finding his scoring touch on the offensive end even with hounding defense from Holiday and P.J. Tucker and gave his team a chance to win in the fourth.

The Suns got timely contributions from Jae Crowder and Frank Kaminsky, but the game was going to come down to whether their stars could match Giannis in crunch time.

They simply couldn't, as Ayton and Booker shot a combined 12-of-34 (35.3 percent) from the field with the latter turning it over six times. The team as a whole managed just 21 points in the fourth quarter and simply couldn't keep pace with the two-time MVP on the other side.

Odds Released for Bucks, Suns to Win 2021 NBA Title; Giannis to Win Finals MVP Award

Jul 18, 2021
PHOENIX, AZ - July 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks embrace after Game Five of the 2021 NBA Finals on July 17, 2021 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - July 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks embrace after Game Five of the 2021 NBA Finals on July 17, 2021 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

After losing the first two games of the 2021 NBA Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks were +350 underdogs to win the title.

Winners of three straight, the Bucks are now massive -390 favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The Suns, needing victories in both Games 6 and 7 to win their first championship, are +330.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose status for these Finals was in question heading into Game 1, is a heavy -430 favorite for Finals MVP. Chris Paul (+650) and Devin Booker (+700) are the only other players with better than 20-1 odds.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.2 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists through the first five games of the series. He's on pace to become the first player in Finals history with a 30-10-5 stat line on over 60 percent shooting and has overwhelmingly been the best player in the series.

Not only has he been the most consistently great player of these Finals, but Giannis has also come up with iconic Finals moments in back-to-back games. His jaw-dropping block of a Deandre Ayton dunk attempt turned the tide in Game 4, and then Antetokounmpo threw down one of the most insane alley-oops in NBA playoff history on a risky pass from Jrue Holiday late in Game 5.

"Giannis took off and he was calling for the ball," Holiday told reporters. "So at that point, I just threw it as high as I could and only where Giannis could go get it. He went up there [and] got it. They don't call him the Freak for nothing. I threw it as high as I could."

If you're looking for long-shot bets for Finals MVP, Khris Middleton is +2400, Holiday is +8500 and Ayton is +19000.

Jrue Holiday on Alley-Oop to Giannis: 'They Don’t Call Him the Freak for Nothing'

Jul 18, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, top, celebrates with guard Jrue Holiday (21) after the Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, top, celebrates with guard Jrue Holiday (21) after the Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Jrue Holiday's jaw-dropping alley-oop to Giannis Antetokounmpo late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's Game 5 123-119 win over the Phoenix Suns was one of the gutsiest plays in NBA Finals history.

When asked if he was nervous about throwing such a risky pass with the game on the line, Holiday said he trusted the Greek Freak could get the ball anywhere he threw it.

"Giannis took off and he was calling for the ball," Holiday told reporters. "So at that point, I just threw it as high as I could and only where Giannis could go get it. He went up there [and] got it. They don't call him the Freak for nothing. I threw it as high as I could."

The thunderous oop sealed the Bucks' victory, giving them a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and putting them on the precipice of the franchise's first title since 1971.

"The pass was all about trust," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "Obviously, he could have pulled the ball out, let the clock run and get a good shot. But he trusted me, threw the ball out there, and we were able to get a bucket."

Holiday, maligned at times during this playoff run for disappointing shooting performances, was a two-way force Saturday. He had 27 points, 13 assists and three steals, with his final swipe coming on a Devin Booker drive to help set up the oop to Antetokounmpo.

The iconic two-way play was quintessential Holiday, showing in one five-second span why the Bucks sent a massive draft pick haul to New Orleans for him in the offseason. While some questioned the move at the time, the Bucks are one victory away from quieting the doubters once and for all.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Treated for 'Intense Cramping' After Bucks' Game 5 Win vs. Suns

Jul 18, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, left, and Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the first half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, left, and Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the first half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was treated for "intense cramping" following Saturday's 123-119 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Malika Andrews of ESPN reported Antetokounmpo left his postgame press conference before later returning because of the cramping.

While it's not a surprise for Antetokounmpo to suffer some level of cramping after he played 41 high-intensity NBA Finals minutes, the entire league is on heightened alert after his brother, Thanasis, was placed into health and safety protocols. All testing on Giannis has presumably come back negative for him to be eligible to play in Game 5.

"It was extremely difficult for him not to be here to cheer for the team," Giannis told reporters of his brother. "He gives the team a lot of energy, and the team feels it. As much as it hurts, we still got to do our job, and I FaceTimed him after the game."

Giannis put up 32 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the Bucks' come-from-behind victory, his third game in the series over the 30-point mark. He's one win away from his first NBA championship and presumably the Finals MVP, with averages of 32.2 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists for the series.

The Bucks have reeled off three straight victories after going down 0-2, and it's fair to say the team's collective breath will be held over the next 48 hours. The team already lost assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer from the bench to contact tracing, and Milwaukee can ill-afford any additional issues with COVID as it looks to close out its first title since 1971.

Khris Middleton Has Solidified Star Status During NBA Finals vs. Phoenix Suns

Jul 18, 2021
PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 17: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during Game Five of the 2021 NBA Finals on July 17, 2021 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 17: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during Game Five of the 2021 NBA Finals on July 17, 2021 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

In a 2021 NBA postseason packed with ups, downs, absences, injuries, health and safety protocols, a pair of Finals teams that have one title between them and plenty else that was generally unexpected, Khris Middleton just keeps showing up in huge moments.

In his Milwaukee Bucks' 123-119 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 5, Middleton rose to the occasion again. And at this point, we can kind of expect it.

Prior to Saturday's game, he had 15 field goals to tie or take the lead in the fourth quarter or overtime this postseason. According to ESPN Stats & Info, that mark is tied with LeBron James for the most in a single playoff run in the past 25 years.

Though he didn't add to that specific total in Game 5, he still hit a handful of crucial shots.

In the middle of a Suns run that had cut a 14-point lead in half, Middleton drew Jae Crowder on a switch at the top of the key. He back-dribbled to ensure a one-on-one, hit him with a right-to-left crossover and stepped back for an and-one 20-footer with just over three minutes left.

A minute later, he deployed a similar move against Mikal Bridges. Only this time, he got his three points the modern way, pushing Milwaukee's lead from five to eight.

All six of those points were critical, as Phoenix whittled the lead all the way down to one. He also scored the final point of the game on a free throw with 9.8 seconds left.

In the end, Middleton had 29 points, seven boards and five assists. For the series, he's putting up 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 dimes and 3.0 threes.

And most impressively, he has 14 points in the clutch (defined by the league as the final five minutes of fourth quarters and overtimes that are within five points). Every other player in the Finals has combined for 13.

If the Bucks wind up winning the series, Giannis Antetokounmpo will almost certainly win the Finals MVP. His 32.2 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists are absurd. And the block he had on Deandre Ayton's alley-oop attempt late in Game 4 is an all-time Finals moment. But Middleton has done enough to get in the conversation.

Whether Milwaukee gets the championship (or Middleton gets a vote for that honor) or not, he's more than proven his star status in this postseason.

You would think two All-Star appearances and 19.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.3 threes, with shooting splits of 47.0 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from three and 88.2 percent from the line, over the last three seasons would do that. But there has long been a lingering concern that Middleton wasn't quite enough of a star to help Giannis win a title.

During this playoff run, he's putting up 23.9 points and 5.1 assists. And he's been the Bucks' safety net in seemingly every important moment. Overall, Milwaukee is plus-5.9 points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor and plus-0.5 when he's off. In high- and very high-leverage possessions (defined here), the Bucks are plus-8.0 points per 100 possessions with Middleton.

Giannis is putting up the gaudier numbers. Jrue Holiday, who had another massive performance in Game 5, is the bellwether. Middleton may be the game's premier gap filler.

When things feel frenetic or the pressure is on, Milwaukee always has a steady hand to which to go. Middleton never appears rattled when things don't go his way or overexcited when he's rolling. Whether in an ebb or flow, the Bucks can rely on a calm and collected pull-up from Khris Cool.

Now, they head back to Milwaukee with a chance to secure the organization's first NBA title in 50 years. The crowd will be raucous. Chris Paul, Devin Booker (averaging 30.0 points in the Finals) and Deandre Ayton will be scratching and clawing to stay alive. Holiday has been prone to occasional letdowns. And nearing the end of a third straight competitive series, the Bucks could be running on fumes.

But if Game 6 goes down to the wire, there may be no one on the floor as trustworthy as Middleton.

Bucks' Jrue Holiday on Devin Booker Steal: I Was in 'Right Place at the Right Time'

Jul 18, 2021
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends as Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns brings the ball up court during the second half in Game Five of the NBA Finals at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends as Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns brings the ball up court during the second half in Game Five of the NBA Finals at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Jrue Holiday couldn't believe his luck, either. 

As time wound down on the Bucks' 123-119 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker spun toward Holiday in the lane while trying to give his team the lead with 18 seconds remaining. 

All Holiday had to do was extend his hands to take the ball away, which the veteran did with ease. Four dribbles later, Holiday lobbed the ball to teammate Giannis Antetokoumpo for a highlight reel alley-oop that rivals the Greek Freak's Game 4-saving block. 

"[Booker] turned right into me," Holiday told reporters about the steal. "I guess I was just in the right place at the right time."

Asked about the decision to throw the lob to Antetokounmpo over Phoenix's Chris Paul to finish off the sequence, Holiday summed up his thoughts rather simply:

It was one of three steals on the night by Holiday, who proved as vital as any player on the Bucks in Game 5. In helping Milwaukee take a 3-2 series lead, the 31-year-old notched 27 points, 13 assists and four rebounds. It's also the sixth time this postseason Holiday has recorded double-digit assists. Milwaukee has only lost once when that's the case. 

But it wasn't the way he distributed the ball Saturday night that moved his play into Bucks' lore, it was how he acquired it—swiping Booker in the waning seconds of a crucial road game.

Now Milwaukee has a chance to clinch its first title since 1971 at home because of it. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks Take Series Lead with Game 5 Win vs. Chris Paul, Suns

Jul 18, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals, Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Milwaukee Bucks are one win away from their first NBA championship in 50 years after beating the host Phoenix Suns 123-119 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night.

Bucks guard Jrue Holiday's 27 points, 13 assists and three steals helped Milwaukee overcome a 37-21 first-quarter deficit. Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's 32 points led the team.

The Bucks caught fire offensively and later took a 14-point lead, but Phoenix slashed that edge down to one after Suns point guard Chris Paul's layup with 56.6 seconds left.

Holiday missed a floater on the other end, but he soon authored the play of the game after stealing the ball from Suns guard Devin Booker and finding a streaking Antetokounmpo for an alley-oop and a 122-119 lead.

https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1416601744696430594

Antetokounmpo was fouled on the play but missed the free throw. However, a loose ball on the rebound attempt found its way back to Antetokounmpo, who tapped it back to Khris Middleton.

The Bucks wing was fouled and hit 1-of-2 free throws for a four-point edge. The Suns came up empty on their next possession, effectively ending the game.

Booker led all scorers with 40 points.

Milwaukee, which took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, swept the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 Finals for its only championship.

       

Notable Performances

Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo: 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists

Bucks F Khris Middleton: 29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists

Bucks G Jrue Holiday: 27 points, 13 assists, 3 steals

Suns SG Devin Booker: 40 points

Suns PG Chris Paul: 21 points, 11 assists

Suns C Deandre Ayton: 20 points, 10 rebounds

    

Holiday's 2nd-Quarter Performance Flips the Script

The lasting memory of this game will always be Holiday's steal and Antetokounmpo's dunk, which will be etched in NBA lore forever if the Bucks end up winning this series.

But the turning point of this game happened in the second quarter, a period that started with after the Bucks took a massive uppercut following 12 minutes of play.

The Suns seemingly couldn't miss, routinely nailing shots and firing up a hot home crowd. Phoenix was in position to make the game's result a formality by halftime.

Holiday had other ideas.

Milwaukee scored 43 second-quarter points. Holiday was responsible for 14 of them in addition to five assists.

To their credit, the Bucks came out aggressive, with Holiday leading the charge. He stormed the paint for this early second-quarter layup:

Holiday was on fire, nailing 6-of-7 shots in the frame. The only exception ended in a block.

This attempt did not, as Holiday nailed a three-pointer to keep chipping away at the lead:

Holiday showcased some excellent court vision in finding Brook Lopez for a fast-break slam:

He was simply a tremendous quarterback, drawing in the defense here and finding Bobby Portis for a corner three-pointer:

Holiday soon found P.J. Tucker in that same spot after launching a jump pass at the veteran for the big bucket:

The Bucks ultimately outscored the Suns by 19 in the second quarter to take a three-point halftime lead. They poured it on in the second half before the Suns clawed their way back in the game late. Holiday had other plans, though, and changed this series on a dime with his steal and assist.

Holiday entered Game 5 shooting just 33 percent from the field (23-of-69 shooting). It has not been a great offensive series for him, although his defense on Paul in Games 3 and 4 certainly helped Milwaukee tie the matchup up after falling behind two games to none.

But Holiday's emergence has changed this series' narrative. Now Milwaukee heads home in search of its first championship in five decades, when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was dominating the NBA for the Bucks.

    

Suns Fight Hard But Can't Keep Pace With Bucks Sans Booker

The Suns outscored the Bucks by 12 points when Devin Booker was on the floor. They were outscored by 16 points with him on the bench.

From Phoenix's end, the storyline is fairly simple: The team couldn't muster enough offense outside Booker to keep pace with the suddenly scorching-hot Bucks for most of the final 36 minutes.

It's not that the rest of Booker's supporting cast was bad by any means. Phoenix shot 55.2 percent from the field and nailed 13-of-19 three-pointers. The Suns also committed just eight turnovers and hit 10-of-11 free throws.

The problem was that Phoenix's margin for error was fairly small in the face of the Bucks' torrid pace, specifically in the second quarter, when Booker sat for 5:46 to start the frame. By the time he got back in the ballgame, the Bucks had trimmed a 37-21 deficit to 49-47.

Booker did all he could Saturday, scoring his 40 points on 17-of-33 shooting. He put on a mid-range clinic against Milwaukee, routinely nailing shots and going blow for blow with the Bucks in the third quarter.

Over a series of six third-quarter possessions, Booker either ended the Suns' trip down the court with points or an assist. He finished that 2:56 stretch with 10 points and one dime.

This pull-up jumper dropped the Milwaukee lead to 72-69:

This driving layup cut the Bucks' edge to 76-73:

Unfortunately, the relentless Bucks kept up the pressure and scored in response to Booker's efforts all six times.

Booker was able to keep Phoenix in this game, though, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter capped by this three-pointer to pull the Suns within 120-117:

However, the Suns fell just short in an instant classic where both teams played excellent offensive basketball.

Phoenix may be going to Milwaukee needing a win to keep its season alive, but it can take solace in the fact that Booker is cooking right now after dropping 42 points in Game 4 and 40 more on Saturday. He very well could Phoenix on his back and bring this series home.

    

What's Next?

Milwaukee will host Game 6 at Fiserv Forum at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday. The Bucks can clinch the title with a victory, while a Suns win will push the series back to Phoenix for a championship-deciding Game 7 at 9 p.m. Thursday.

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