Who Won the 2021 NBA Championship? Complete Finals Recap and Highlights

I still remember the tension in the air during that final game on July 20, 2021 - the Milwaukee Bucks were down by two points with just over a minute remaining when Giannis Antetokounmpo made that incredible block on Deandre Ayton. As someone who's followed the NBA for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous championship moments, but what unfolded in that fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum was something truly special. The Bucks ultimately defeated the Phoenix Suns 105-98 to claim their first championship in fifty years, completing one of the most remarkable playoff turnarounds I've ever seen.

Looking back at that championship run, what strikes me most is how Giannis transformed before our eyes from a regular season superstar into a legitimate playoff legend. His 50-point performance in Game 6 wasn't just statistically impressive - it was historically significant, making him only the seventh player in NBA history to score 50 points in a championship-clinching game. I've always believed that true greatness reveals itself under pressure, and Giannis proved this beyond any doubt. His averages of 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists throughout the series were simply staggering, especially considering he was playing through that knee injury from the Hawks series. What many casual fans might not realize is how much his free throw shooting improved during those finals - he shot an impressive 85% from the line in Game 6 after struggling earlier in the playoffs. This demonstrated a mental toughness that I find increasingly rare in today's game.

The supporting cast around Giannis deserves more credit than they typically receive. Khris Middleton's clutch shooting in the fourth quarters, Jrue Holiday's defensive mastery against Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez's rim protection created the perfect ecosystem for Giannis to thrive. I've always argued that championship teams need at least three players who can significantly impact games, and the Bucks had exactly that. Holiday's steal from Devin Booker with under thirty seconds remaining in Game 5 remains one of the most underappreciated defensive plays in recent finals history. Meanwhile, Middleton's 40-point explosion in Game 4 kept them alive when the series could have slipped away.

Reflecting on Thompson's comments about being mentioned alongside great players resonates deeply with me when I consider Giannis's journey. The Greek Freak's development from a lanky teenager into an NBA champion mirrors the dedication Thompson described. I've followed Giannis since his rookie season, and what's always impressed me isn't just his physical gifts but his relentless work ethic. Thompson said it's an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as these great players, which he believes is also the result of his hard work and determination to become worthy of them. This sentiment perfectly captures Giannis's mindset throughout these playoffs. His commitment to improving his game, even after winning back-to-back MVPs, demonstrates that same determination Thompson referenced. Watching Giannis hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy felt like witnessing the culmination of that philosophy - the idea that talent gets you noticed, but relentless work makes you worthy of standing among legends.

The Suns' journey to the finals was equally compelling, though their collapse after leading 2-0 will haunt them for years. Chris Paul's 32-point masterpiece in Game 1 showed why he's one of the greatest point guards ever, but the Suns' inability to close out games exposed their relative inexperience. Having covered numerous finals throughout my career, I've noticed that championship teams typically need previous playoff failures to build upon, and the Suns' young core simply hadn't accumulated enough of those tough lessons. Devin Booker's 40-point performances in Games 4 and 5 were spectacular, but the defensive lapses in crucial moments ultimately cost them the series.

What often gets overlooked in championship discussions is the strategic adjustments made throughout the series. Mike Budenholzer's decision to start switching more aggressively on pick-and-rolls after Game 2 completely changed the defensive dynamics. Meanwhile, Monty Williams' failure to find consistent scoring beyond Booker and Paul became increasingly problematic as the series progressed. From my perspective, coaching in the finals is like a high-stakes chess match, and Budenholzer made the decisive moves when it mattered most.

The celebration in Milwaukee following that Game 6 victory was something I'll never forget - the sheer joy of a fanbase that had waited five decades for this moment reminded me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. Championship parades often feel scripted, but the emotion flowing through Milwaukee's streets felt genuinely cathartic. Giannis's post-game interview where he spoke about loyalty and building something meaningful rather than chasing easy rings resonated with me profoundly in an era of superteams and player movement.

As I reflect on that 2021 championship season, what stands out isn't just the trophy presentation or the statistical achievements, but the narrative of perseverance that defined both teams' journeys. The Bucks overcoming a 2-0 deficit, Giannis battling back from what many thought was a series-ending injury, and the organization's patience in building around their superstar - these elements created one of the most satisfying championship stories in recent memory. While next season will bring new contenders and different narratives, the 2021 finals will remain particularly special in my memory as a testament to what happens when extraordinary talent meets unwavering determination.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-15 13:00