Giannis’ Health In Question
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
The last time the Pheonix Suns went to the NBA Finals was in 1993. They were led by Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. Unfortunately, they ran into the Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls who took them out in 6 games. Fast forward to 2021and after failing to make the playoffs last year, the Suns added future Hall of Famer Chris Paul whose post season failures have been well documented. They hosted the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday night for the first 2 games after the Bucks eliminated a feisty Atlanta Hawks team doing it without their star Giannis (The Greek Freak) Antetokounmpo who was out with a right knee strain. He was expected to play in game 1.
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
At the start of the playoffs, there were high hopes for both the Suns and the Bucks to go deep in the playoffs but getting to the Finals was a stretch. The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets with their “Big Three” were the heavy favorites until injuries derailed their season. Atlanta was the surprise team of the playoffs taking out the Knicks and the #1 seed Philadelphia 76ers led by guard Trae Young.
Despite not having Antetokounmpo in the deciding game, Milwaukee showed they were more versatile as Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday combined for 59 points in the 118-107 series clinching victory last Saturday night. Milwaukee will be making their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1974.
It took 16 years, epic collapses and untimely injuries for guard Chris Paul to finally get to the NBA Finals. In the series clinching win over the Los Angeles Clippers Paul finished with 41 points, 8 assists, nailing 7 of 8 three pointers. Dogged by the Clippers Patrick Beverly all series, Paul got the last laugh as Beverly was ejected for shoving Paul from behind in the closing minutes of the game. “It’s great to see him getting over that hump,” said teammate Jae Crowder who chipped in 19 points. “16 years he’s never been past this stage. It’s great to give him that opportunity.” Devin Booker, who has been a big part of the Suns success knows how important Paul has been to the team. “Chris being a servant leader for us. He’s making sure everybody’s ready, that they’re on their P’s and Q’s.”
The Bucks put all their faith Giannis signing him to 5-year, $228 million dollar contract last year. The two-time NBA MVP said “I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. This is my home. This is my city.” After a disappointing exit in the playoffs last year, Antetokounmpo could have easily left for greener pastures. He felt a connection to the organization and vowed to take the team to the next level. He did struggle at times against the Nets but came up big on the road in the deciding game 7 win. Giannis wrenched his knee in game 4 against Atlanta and watched the next two games as his teammates picked up the slack.
“To have a team full of guys who, nobody’s ever won it. So, when you’re in the locker-room like that’s probably the coolest thing. Cause we’re all sort of figuring out together,” said Paul.
The Pheonix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks faced each twice during the regular season with the Suns winning both games by 1 point. The Finals should be no different.
The New York Beacon has the Pheonix Suns raising the Larry O’Brien trophy in 6 games.
