The 2021 NBA Finals are set, and we’ll see a champion we haven’t seen in at least 50 years. The Phoenix Suns were the first team to punch their ticket to the Finals when they eliminated the LA Clippers in six games. It’s the Suns’ first Finals appearance since 1993. Phoenix has never won an NBA title.
The Suns’ opponent will be the Milwaukee Bucks, who overcame the loss of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a knee injury to defeat the Atlanta Hawks in six games and reach the Finals for the first time since 1974. The Bucks’ only title in franchise history came in 1971.
Keep it here for all the matchups, schedules, news and analysis all the way through the crowning of an NBA champion.
2021 NBA playoffs: Conf. finals | Conf. semis | First round
Odds from Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill: Suns -175, Bucks +155
ESPN BPI series odds: Bucks 51%, Suns 49%
Game 1: Tuesday
Bucks at Suns, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 2: Thursday
Bucks at Suns, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 3: Sunday, July 11
Suns at Bucks, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 4: Wednesday, July 14
Suns at Bucks, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 5: Saturday, July 17*
Bucks at Suns, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 6: Tuesday, July 20*
Suns at Bucks, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 7: Thursday, July 22*
Bucks at Suns, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
*If necessary
3:14
Khris Middleton leads the Bucks to victory behind a stellar third-quarter run as Milwaukee heads back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.
Path to the Finals
Phoenix Suns
First round: Def. Los Angeles Lakers (7), 4-2
Conf. semis: Def. Denver Nuggets (3), 4-0
Conf. finals: Def. LA Clippers (4), 4-2
Milwaukee Bucks
First round: Def. Miami Heat (6), 4-0
Conf. semis: Def. Brooklyn Nets (2), 4-3
Conf. finals: Def. Atlanta Hawks (5), 4-2
3:15
Chris Paul drops 41 points with eight assists in a 130-103 Game 6 win vs. the Clippers to advance to the NBA Finals.
Perfectionist, irritant, Point God. Chris Paul has done just about everything that can be done in a Hall of Fame career. Now, 16 years in, he finally gets his shot at an NBA championship.
Read Zach Lowe’s story
The wounded Milwaukee Bucks rode Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday into the Finals, but will they have enough to handle their final challenge?
Read Kevin Arnovitz’s story
Whether they’re a team of destiny or they’re controlling it themselves, Chris Paul and the Suns are on an unprecedented path to the NBA Finals.
Read Brian Windhorst’s story
The Bucks have the NBA’s most devastating finisher in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They spent a fortune to land All-Star guard Jrue Holiday. So why is it that Khris Middleton might hold the key to their championship dreams?
Read Kevin Arnovitz’s story
After adding wrinkles and layers to what was an ordinary offense, the Suns have developed a high-octane pick-and-roll attack — and few have shown any ability to slow it down.
Read Zach Lowe’s story
There isn’t a space, venue or room that Giannis Antetokounmpo can’t turn into an arena for friendly combat.
Read Malika Andrews’ story
Being overshadowed by Luka Doncic doesn’t mean the No. 1 pick from the 2018 draft is lacking potential — far from it. There are moments when he elevates himself into the upper tier of NBA centers, a development that could reshape the future of the Western Conference.
Read Brian Windhorst’s story
Be the first to comment