2x NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been upgraded to questionable for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. A final call will be taken before the game.
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The Milwaukee Bucks created history recently when they clinched a berth in their first NBA Finals in over 4 decades.
The Bucks achieved this great feat without their best player Giannis, who did not play Games Five and Six of the eastern conference finals due to an injury he sustained in Game Four of the conference finals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo listed doubtful for Game 1 of Bucks-Suns NBA Finals.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2021
Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable (left knee hyperextension) for #NBAFinals Game 1 tonight. pic.twitter.com/Jo6sn8OBXQ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 6, 2021
The Bucks, however, did not let the absence of their superstar be felt as they performed exceptionally well in Games Five and Six. The Bucks did not trail at any point of the match during Game Six.
The supporting cast of the Bucks elevated their game during this moment of crisis. The likes of Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez ensured a smooth sail to the NBA Finals.
The Greek Freak had a great playoff run up till his injury. The former DPOY was often accused of not being able to replicate his regular-season success in the playoffs.
However, the 2021 NBA playoffs saw a much better improver version of the 5x NBA All-Star.
Can the Milwaukee Bucks steal Game 1 on the road without their best player Giannis Antetokounmpo?
The Milwaukee Bucks face the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals. The Suns are currently highly favored to win Game One.
Devin Booker in his first playoff appearance has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 27.0 PPG and shooting an incredible 91.3% from the free-throw line. This also marks Chris Paul’s first NBA Finals appearance in his 16-year old decorated career.
Suns big man Deandre Ayton has been playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 16.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, and scoring an incredible 70.6% from the field. The supporting cast with the likes of Jae Crowder and Cameron Payne has been exceptional for the Suns.
The Bucks, on the other hand, are devoid of their best player. However, the likes of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have really stepped up in the Greek Freak’s absence.
Bobby Portis, who has been filling in for Giannis, recently had a career playoff-high 22-points against the Atlanta Hawks in the ECF.
The absence of Giannis will definitely hurt the Bucks. The former league MVP has been averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on a 55.1% shooting from the field in the 2021 NBA Playoffs so far.
Though the odds are in favor of the Phoenix Suns since they have the home advantage entering Game One of the NBA Finals. It will be interesting to see if the Bucks can steal Game One without Giannis
Game One of the NBA Finals takes place tonight at Phoenix.
