NBA Champions ·
2021 Milwaukee Bucks
The 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks won their first title since 1971, beating the Phoenix Suns in six after falling behind 0-2. Giannis Antetokounmpo closed the series with 50 points in Game 6. Jrue Holiday, acquired that offseason, swung Game 5 with a steal and an alley-oop lob to Giannis in the final minute.
Milwaukee reshaped its roster after years of playoff disappointment. The Bucks traded a package of picks for Jrue Holiday to put a defensive guard next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. They went 46-26 in a season shortened to 72 games.
Antetokounmpo nearly missed the Finals. He hyperextended his left knee in the conference finals against Atlanta, an injury that looked far worse on replay. He returned for Game 1 of the Finals.
Phoenix won the first two games at home. Milwaukee took the next four. Antetokounmpo scored 50 in the Game 6 clincher and made the defensive play of the series in Game 4, a chase-down block on Deandre Ayton at the rim.
Khris Middleton handled the late-game scoring, Brook Lopez protected the paint, and Bobby Portis became a fan favorite off the bench. The title ended a 50-year drought, the longest active gap in the league until that night.
Championship roster
Featured in Ring Holders Club
| Player | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Jrue Holiday | PG | 84 |
| Khris Middleton | SG | 84 |
| P.J. Tucker | SF | 72 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | PF | 96 |
| Brook Lopez | C | 78 |
| Bobby Portis | 6th man | 77 |
| Mike Budenholzer | Coach | 83 |
Ratings are year-specific curated estimates for Ring Holders Club, not official NBA stats.
Rest of the roster
| Player | Pos | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Connaughton | G | |
| Donte DiVincenzo | G | injured early in the playoffs |
| Bryn Forbes | G | bench shooter |