In 2021, the Milwaukee Bucks surprised everyone by winning the championship this year by defeating the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. However, according to veteran forward Markieff Morris, the Brooklyn Nets could have won the title had All-Star guard Kyrie Irving not been injured.
Ahead of the 2020-21 season, the Bucks also made strategic moves to strengthen their roster. They engaged in a trade that sent Eric Bledsoe and George Hill to the New Orleans Pelicans to acquire veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Moreover, they added depth to their bench with the signings of free agents Bobby Portis and Bryn Forbes.
Already in the regular season, Milwaukee took third place in the Eastern Conference with the result: Record 46-26. To further strengthen their defense heading into the playoffs, the Bucks acquired PJ Tucker, further increasing their chances of success.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks began the 2021 playoffs by defeating the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets in a grueling seven-game series. They then defeated the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the Conference Finals, securing their ticket to the NBA Finals that year.
Despite having a 2-0 lead, the hosts fought back and eventually won the title. Antetokounmpo’s outstanding performances throughout the series earned him the well-deserved Finals MVP honors. During the game, he also averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks. this series.
NBA veteran Markieff Morris is taking back surprising claims about the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 championship
Years after winning the championship, veteran forward Markieff Morris talked about that series between the Bucks and Nets. In article by Stefan Bondy for the New York Post, Morris gave more context to this Eastern Conference showdown.
“If Giannis doesn’t fall [Irving]they would have had a championship,” said Morris, who was playing for the Lakers at the time. “Milwaukee would still be without a championship.
“I know I do. They were going to be swept away. They know it. You can ask anyone on their team,” Morris added, pointing out that former Bucks point guard Jeff Teague said the same thing on his podcast.
During this series, the Nets had a powerful trio in Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden. It’s significant to remember that in Game 7 of that series, Durant’s finger on the arc prevented Brooklyn from winning the contest and instead sent it to overtime.
Granting Morris will make the Bucks very lucky in 2021 alone. If Irving hadn’t gotten injured, Antetokounmpo would still be without a ring.
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