Finals: Bucks and Suns

[mufan2003]

Still surreal seeing Finals promos with one of the teams being the Milwaukee Bucks. 50 years since the last NBA championship and 47 years since the last NBA Finals appearance. A lot of success in the 80's and very close in 2001. I hope they pull it off!

Giannis listed as doubtful for Game 1. Theoretically, Giannis comes back when he is physically cleared to play. However, what do you do if the Bucks find a way to win Game 1 without him? Do you then rest him until Game 3 back in Milwaukee on Sunday (2 days off between Games 2 and 3)?

These teams played 2 very close games in the regular season.....a lot of intriguing, individual matchups. Most interesting to me will be Jrue Holiday and Chris Paul. Go Bucks!

[Goose85]

Still surreal seeing Finals promos with one of the teams being the Milwaukee Bucks. 50 years since the last NBA championship and 47 years since the last NBA Finals appearance. A lot of success in the 80's and very close in 2001. I hope they pull it off!

Giannis listed as doubtful for Game 1. Theoretically, Giannis comes back when he is physically cleared to play. However, what do you do if the Bucks find a way to win Game 1 without him? Do you then rest him until Game 3 back in Milwaukee on Sunday (2 days off between Games 2 and 3)?

These teams played 2 very close games in the regular season.....a lot of intriguing, individual matchups. Most interesting to me will be Jrue Holiday and Chris Paul. Go Bucks!

That is an interesting idea, and I hope we have such a decision to make.

I hope Giannis is ready to go. I he isn't and we lose game 1, that isn't a killer as you are supposed to lose on the road.

Should be a fun series.

[MUfan12]

Outside of Giannis' status, what I'm most interested/concerned about is how they guard the PNR with Booker and Paul. Both those guys are so good from midrange that drop coverage will be a gamble. Can Brook hang out there switching?

Will be in the building for Game 3 and I can't wait to see what it's like, especially if they can get one in PHX.

[mufan2003]

Outside of Giannis' status, what I'm most interested/concerned about is how they guard the PNR with Booker and Paul. Both those guys are so good from midrange that drop coverage will be a gamble. Can Brook hang out there switching?

Will be in the building for Game 3 and I can't wait to see what it's like, especially if they can get one in PHX.

Yes. I heard on Sirius XM NBA Radio this morning that Phoenix takes and makes the most midrange shots of any team in the league.

I certainly feel great about Holiday as a defender, and Middleton is good as well. How will Brook play it? Will also be interesting to see if Tucker spends any time on Booker.

I expect an entertaining series. I will be surprised if it doesn't go at least 6.

[Goose85]

Interesting NBA finals tidbit.

No player in the finals this year has won a NBA title. Last time that happened was 1971 when the Bucks won their only title.

The only player who has been in the NBA finals before is Jae Crowder, who was in the finals with Miami (who lost) last year.

[mufan2003]

Interesting NBA finals tidbit.

No player in the finals this year has won a NBA title. Last time that happened was 1971 when the Bucks won their only title.

The only player who has been in the NBA finals before is Jae Crowder, who was in the finals with Miami (who lost) last year.

That is interesting......and last year was Crowder's first and only NBA Finals appearance.

[mufan2003]

Giannis upgraded to questionable in today's injury report. I would personally keep him out for Game 1 coming off two consecutive, impressive wins.

https://www.nba.com/news/bucks-hope-giannis-antetokounmpo-can-return-for-the-finals

[mufan2003]

Giannis playing in Game 1.....let's go!

[Goose85]

Well, another game 1 where it didn't seem like we played very well. Disappointing, but I think the Suns played their best game.

Going out on a limb, but I think we win the next 3 games, 1 in Phoenix and the 2 in MKE. That just seems to be the way we have played this post season.

[MUfan12]

Well, another game 1 where it didn't seem like we played very well. Disappointing, but I think the Suns played their best game.

Going out on a limb, but I think we win the next 3 games, 1 in Phoenix and the 2 in MKE. That just seems to be the way we have played this post season.

Man, I hope you're right. But I really think this is just a lousy matchup for the Bucks. They can't match PHX's pace, and don't have the personnel to effectively deal with their PNR game. To Bud's credit he tried a bunch of things and CP carved them up.

Last night gave us a good idea of what it probably woulda looked like had the Nets been at full strength. Unless things change drastically I think it's Suns in 5 or 6.

[mufan2003]

Well, another game 1 where it didn't seem like we played very well. Disappointing, but I think the Suns played their best game.

Going out on a limb, but I think we win the next 3 games, 1 in Phoenix and the 2 in MKE. That just seems to be the way we have played this post season.

Yep. Phoenix 4-0 in Game 1s this postseason while the Bucks are 1-3 after last night. For the first time though, the Bucks' shooting in Game 1 was good (45.5% on FGs and 44% [16-36] beyond the arc).

For a team with as many All-NBA Defensive players (current or former) as the Bucks, I thought they were poor on that side of the ball. They let their best mid-range shooters get to their spots (Paul and Booker) while leaving their best 3-point shooters (Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges) open beyond the arc. Devin Booker only shot 34% from three during the regular season and is shooting 32.7% from three in the postseason. Keep him out of the mid-range. Chris Paul shot the ball about as well as he can shoot it.

Free throws was another major factor. Phoenix goes 25 of 26 from the charity stripe while Milwaukee was 9 of 16. 16-point differential right there in a 13-point loss. Booker was flailing his shoulders and arms around any Bucks player early, getting the calls.......then rightfully got that offensive foul call against him for kicking his leg out.

One thing I think the Bucks have done well this playoffs, learn as each series goes on, how to defend the opposing team and how to attack them. In addition, need Jrue Holiday back in the form that he was during the Atlanta series. While Game 2 is big, even if they lose, no need to panic. Bucks were down 2-0 to Brooklyn as well. Phoenix is good, and balanced, but I think the Bucks allowed them to play to their strengths too much. Learn from the film and correct it for Game 2.

[MUfan12]

I think we saw just how hard it is for them last night. They made adjustments to take away the PNR looks and ended up conceding 17 mostly open corner threes, and Phoenix hit 10 of them. Just killer.

Unless Jrue and Khris bounce back and have the best five games of their lives, I think this thing is probably done in 5 or 6. Suns are just better, no shame in that.

[mufan2003]

*My gut feel was that the Bucks would head back to Milwaukee down 0-2....just like the Brooklyn series. Chris Paul and Devin Booker have looked like Steph Curry and Kobe Bryant through the first 2 games. They are good, but this good? Is it sustainable? Booker is known as a great scorer, but Chris Paul? Bridges was great, loved him at Nova. I think the Suns have played their A+ game through the first two.

*The Bucks helped on defense too often last night; one time Giannis is doubling on the wing leaving Booker wide open at the top of the key. The Bucks, individually, are too good and too long defensively to be doubling anyone and leaving someone wide open. Time to "man up" (Shaq quote), stop helping and win your defensive assignment one-on-one.

*Jrue Holiday (7-21) and Khris Middleton (5-16) need to play better offensively and I think they will. With their size advantage (6'4" and 6'8") over Paul (6'0") and Booker (6'5"), they need to be more aggressive.

*Saric out with an ACL injury, will Torrey Craig miss time after getting injured last night? All of a sudden, the Suns might have a very thin bench. Bucks need to continue punishing them in the paint......Giannis, Lopez, Holiday; get in the bonus early of each quarter and get the Suns in foul trouble. Giannis really started doing that in the 3rd quarter.

*Pat Connaughton has been fantastic. I hope Portis and Forbes can be more of a factor back at the Fiserv Forum.

*Goal: Protect home court and get one on the road. 2006 Heat, 2016 Cavs and 2021 Bucks (against Nets).......teams that have won coming back from 0-2. Maybe the Suns end up winning, but good grief they are not the Dream Team, no reason to concede anything at this point.

[MUfan12]

Agree with a lot of your post, '03. The depth point is something that I think needs to be an emphasis. Gotta try and get Ayton in foul trouble. There's just not a ton behind him.

Problem still lies with the backcourt/wings. They have reliably good shooters and guys who know how to move off the ball. The difference in how the two offenses operate has been staggering to watch.

I truly hope they can turn this thing around, but Phoenix fits the profile of teams that have given them the most trouble over the past couple seasons. Stealing a game out there would have been massive.

[Goose85]

Ayton in foul trouble worked well. They have no depth, and our strength is scoring in the paint, and getting second chance offensive opportunities.

Holiday hit shots, and when he does that we are tough to beat.

Suns came back to earth a bit shooting wise last night.

Great win and gives us momentum going into game 4.

[mufan2003]

Needed that win last night, and the defense was better. I still get irritated when 2 players end up on Paul and someone is left wide open for a roll to the hoop or an open 3. Regardless, loved the way the Bucks extended the lead.

Jrue Holiday with some big and timely 3-point shots in the 3rd quarter....finished 5-10 from beyond the arc with 21 points and 9 assists.

Phoenix is small without Ayton. From Giannis to Brook to Portis and even Middleton and Holiday at their positions......are just bigger than Phoenix. Love it when the Bucks play inside-out.

Now need to get Game 4.

[mufan2003]

Giannis in some elite company through his first 3 NBA Finals games:

https://twitter.com/NBAHistory/status/1414411566242488326?s=19

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1414419937247088640

[mufan2003]

A cool showing by the city/fans for the first NBA Finals game in 47 years on a national stage:

https://twitter.com/DeerDistrict/status/1414421649483571200

https://twitter.com/JoyceGarbaciak/status/1414415279132745732

https://twitter.com/CBS58/status/1414409614188240897

[MUfan12]

It was an unbelievable night down there. Was fortunate to be in the building and it was something I'll never forget.

Game 4 is gonna be stressful as hell. Booker won't shoot it that poorly again, and Jrue probably won't shoot it that well. I loved some of the action the Bucks ran to get some easy ones, and that Giannis did a lot of his damage from the wing/baseline rather than the top of the key.

I had to laugh at the Suns fans behind me hating Frank as much, if not more, than I do.

[mufan2003]

It was an unbelievable night down there. Was fortunate to be in the building and it was something I'll never forget.

Game 4 is gonna be stressful as hell. Booker won't shoot it that poorly again, and Jrue probably won't shoot it that well. I loved some of the action the Bucks ran to get some easy ones, and that Giannis did a lot of his damage from the wing/baseline rather than the top of the key.

I had to laugh at the Suns fans behind me hating Frank as much, if not more, than I do.

Great game to be at. Bucks seem to make every series stressful, but their MO seems to be that they figure it out more and more as the series progresses. I am sure Booker will shoot better, but the Bucks also played great defense on him from the tip. I think it frustrated him. Paul seemingly continues to make everything he puts up, I still believe his shooting will level off a bit as well.

Middleton can shoot better, he was solid going 6-14 but he can have games where he doesn't seem to miss. Just avoid another Game 2 scenario where Middleton and Holiday both shoot less than 33%. Monty Williams complaining a bit about fouls, but that seemed to be their strategy until Giannis started making free throws.

[Goose85]

Great game to be at. Bucks seem to make every series stressful, but their MO seems to be that they figure it out more and more as the series progresses. I am sure Booker will shoot better, but the Bucks also played great defense on him from the tip. I think it frustrated him. Paul seemingly continues to make everything he puts up, I still believe his shooting will level off a bit as well.

Middleton can shoot better, he was solid going 6-14 but he can have games where he doesn't seem to miss. Just avoid another Game 2 scenario where Middleton and Holiday both shoot less than 33%. Monty Williams complaining a bit about fouls, but that seemed to be their strategy until Giannis started making free throws.

Yeah, hard for Williams to complain about the disparity in foul shooting when they have a foul Giannis strategy. We should draw more fouls, as they have tended to shoot from the outside, and you draw less fouls than if you would force the action in the paint as the Bucks have done.

Not sure why Bud doesn't complain more, as that has long been something coaches do in the playoffs. Guys like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley used to do it all the time. I don't tend to complain about refs, as that seems to be making excuses, but our guys sure don't seem to get the benefit of the doubt as much as others (Durant and Young in the previous series). Connaughton seems to get a lot of fouls called on him for having his head in the way of the opponents elbows. I might be a homer on this, but I think our guys don't get the calls they deserve.

[mufan2003]

Man, the Bucks sure make it stressful. What a win!

*Needed every bit of Middleton's 40 with Jrue shooting 4 of 20 and the Bucks shooting 40% overall and 24% (7-29 ) from beyond the arc.

*If the Bucks had lost that game, the non-foul call when Booker mugged Holiday would have been a huge story. How is such a clear foul missed?? Booker was holding Holiday with his right arm and making contact, swiping down with his left.

*Giannis with one of the most incredible recoveries and block on Ayton I have ever seen in a crucial moment of a Finals game. A key play in getting the win.

*Like the Brooklyn series, winning @Phoenix just seems like it is going to be difficult. Protect home-court and get one on the road. I hope they can do it.

[MUfan12]

Both teams threw a ton into that game, and looked beat afterward. I think G5, much like my professional life in these Finals, will come down to who can best manage that hangover.

The disparity in shot volume has been so overwhelming that its literally a matter of if the Bucks can make those shots. Man, it'd be fun to steal one and see what this city is like on Thursday.

[Goose85]

I think that no call on Booker mugging Holiday had everything to do with his having 5 fouls. Often, it seems, a ref may wait to see if the shot was missed before blowing the whistle. Had Booker hit a game winner, that non call would have been all anyone would talk about today.

Holiday couldn't hit a layup and we still won. What a game. I really think the defensive pressure is getting to Paul by the time the 4th quarter rolls around. Neither team is going very deep on the bench, so players will be gassed in Q4.

Agree on the Giannis block, that was incredible at a crucial moment. Not to mention, it happened over 11 feet up in the air.

If Middleton is on, and Holiday does anything on offense we are in very good shape. Giannis passing out when getting fouled going to the hoop saved him from shooting a bunch of free throws.

Connaughton has hit some big shots and has been key in this series.

[IWB]

Bud is really doing some coaching. In the first two games, Paul controlled the offense so now they pick him up before half court. Ayton had been driving - now they throw multiple people at him when he gets anywhere close. They certainly have the scouting and game prep down, if they can just hit their shots.

Booker - I had him for 7 fouls. Two obvious calls that were swallowed to keep him in the game.

[mufan2003]

Bud is really doing some coaching. In the first two games, Paul controlled the offense so now they pick him up before half court. Ayton had been driving - now they throw multiple people at him when he gets anywhere close. They certainly have the scouting and game prep down, if they can just hit their shots.

Booker - I had him for 7 fouls. Two obvious calls that were swallowed to keep him in the game.

Coach Bud has been everyone's punching bag, and I think it has been over the top. Middleton and Giannis joined the Bucks in 2013, no playoff series wins until Bud's first season. In just 3 seasons (2019 to 2021), Bud's accomplishments with a franchise that was practically irrelevant:

(1) Best record in NBA and Eastern Conference Finals in Bud's first year (2019)
(2) Giannis wins MVP in Bud's first year (2019)
(3) Khris Middleton with 1st All-Star selection in Bud's first year (2019)
(4) Best record in NBA in Bud's second year (2020) *disappointing ECSF loss in bubble, but those were crazy times with players not wanting to be there
(5) Giannis wins 2nd consecutive MVP in Bud's second year (2020)
(6) Khris Middleton with 2nd All-Star selection in Bud's second year (2020)
(7) NBA Finals in Bud's third year (2021)
(8) Multiple COY awards, including two voted on by his peers

Middleton never took 3-point attempts before Bud got here. Now, Middleton is a great 3-point shooter (in addition to mid-range). I just can't fathom many coaches that would have done as much with this organization in just 3 seasons. Yet people have been wanting to run Bud out of town for a while now. He isn't perfect, but he is in the top tier of NBA coaches. I also think he has been willing to learn and adjust.

[mufan2003]

My favorite play of the series to this point; Giannis' block on Ayton from every angle imaginable:

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1415544383269638147

[Goose85]

I think the key for Bud is he is making adjustments, which he didn't do in the playoffs for the last two years.

Some of it may also be Holiday. Not yesterday, but in game 3 Holiday had the ball moving up the side and Giannis was going up the middle of the court. Giannis called for the ball, and Holiday waved him off, telling him to go to the low block.
That is a huge difference from the past couple years where Giannis would want to bring the ball up and run into the defensive wall.

Bud / Holiday have gotten Giannis to buy in that he can make more of an impact when not dribbling the ball up court.

[mufan2003]

I think the key for Bud is he is making adjustments, which he didn't do in the playoffs for the last two years.

Some of it may also be Holiday. Not yesterday, but in game 3 Holiday had the ball moving up the side and Giannis was going up the middle of the court. Giannis called for the ball, and Holiday waved him off, telling him to go to the low block.
That is a huge difference from the past couple years where Giannis would want to bring the ball up and run into the defensive wall.

Bud / Holiday have gotten Giannis to buy in that he can make more of an impact when not dribbling the ball up court.

Yes, in 2019 and to an extent in 2020, Giannis knew how to play one way. From the top off the key, off a ball screen, driving downhill at 100mph (often including a Euro-step). Finishing or kicking to shooters. It worked pretty well until the ECF when Toronto built a wall, teammates stopped making shots or Giannis was called for a charge.

This year, during the regular season, they worked on preparing for more of a half-court game come playoff time; Giannis in the wide post, off the pick-and-roll and around the elbows. Giannis working on post moves. Also, substitute Bledsoe for Holiday and it has worked better.

Credit Budenholzer for using the regular season to try playing different ways (offensively with Giannis and defensively as a team). Also Jon Horst for acquiring Holiday, Tucker, Portis and Forbes.

[MUfan12]

Bud has coached his ass off since G2 in Brooklyn. There are still some lineup things I question (Teague, Jeffrey) but it's worked out.

One thing I thought was interesting was Portis in the closing minutes. To be honest, I thought it was a massive gamble that paid off. Bobby just doesn't have the defensive awareness to play a heavy switching system. He can hold his own on-ball, but was a mess at times and left some dudes wide-f'in open.

[Goose85]

Bud is really doing some coaching. In the first two games, Paul controlled the offense so now they pick him up before half court. Ayton had been driving - now they throw multiple people at him when he gets anywhere close. They certainly have the scouting and game prep down, if they can just hit their shots.

Booker - I had him for 7 fouls. Two obvious calls that were swallowed to keep him in the game.

My guess is if that was Booker driving the hoop on Holiday, Holiday gets whistled. Same for when Middleton was going to the hoop on that 3 on 1 play.

It is just interesting to me that Booker, and Young in the series before, seem to be getting what I would consider the super star ref treatment. I'd get it for Chris Paul, but Booker getting the star treatment while Middleton and Holiday don't gets irritating.
Am I just being a homer, or does it seem Booker gets every touch foul when he is shooting?

[mufan2003]

My guess is if that was Booker driving the hoop on Holiday, Holiday gets whistled. Same for when Middleton was going to the hoop on that 3 on 1 play.

It is just interesting to me that Booker, and Young in the series before, seem to be getting what I would consider the super star ref treatment. I'd get it for Chris Paul, but Booker getting the star treatment while Middleton and Holiday don't gets irritating.
Am I just being a homer, or does it seem Booker gets every touch foul when he is shooting?

Booker has learned to flail his arms and shoulders to get the call. He also enjoys staying on the refs. Middleton, Jrue and Giannis just don't come across as guys that complain to the refs. Not saying they never do, but I think they are relatively humble, quiet guys that play hard and are very talented. It makes it easier to pull for them. Tucker clearly is the guy on the Bucks that complains the most; but love the toughness, defense and rebounding he has brought to this team.

[Goose85]

With a lot of media attention on Booker's fouls not being called, and the NBA feeling the need to have the ref issue a statement on the non call, it will be interesting to see how the refs treat him in game 5.

With expected focus on Booker, will the refs want to go out of their way to make sure there is no appearance of favoritism toward him, or will they double down and give him the benefit of many a call.

With how important Booker is to the Suns, that could really be a key to game 5.

Personally, I hope he picks up an early foul and it gets in his head that he may be officiated differently.

[mufan2003]

Big win! Now have to go earn it on Tuesday night! Phoenix won't concede anything.

* Giannis (32pts, 9 boards, 6 assists), Middleton (29pts, 7 boards, 5 assists) and Holiday (27pts, 13 assists, 3 steals)......finally all play great in the same game. Holiday was phenomenal, IMO the key to the win.

*Down 16 points at the end of the 1st quarter.....almost couldn't watch it any further.

*Booker is certainly 1st Team All-NBA Whiner. It is embarrassing. The refs consistently let him get away with using his off-arm to push the defender away.

*This team just keeps fighting. Loved seeing Holiday ice it with the steal on Boooker. Hope they can get it done Tuesday night!

[Goose85]

Booker is a all nba whiner. With the stuff he gets away with it is embarrassing that he complains so much.

Holiday is wearing out Paul. His defense is key to getting Paul gassed in the 4th quarter.

When Holiday was hitting, even with the deficit, I thought it would be hard to beat us. If the big 3 are on, we are incredibly hard to beat.

Game 6 back home, all the pressure on the Suns. Deer District will be 30,000, arena will be 17,000. Should be an awesome night.

For those basketball fans that just want to watch a good series, not sure you could ask for anything more. These games have all been down to the last minute.

[mufan2003]

Booker is a all nba whiner. With the stuff he gets away with it is embarrassing that he complains so much.

Holiday is wearing out Paul. His defense is key to getting Paul gassed in the 4th quarter.

When Holiday was hitting, even with the deficit, I thought it would be hard to beat us. If the big 3 are on, we are incredibly hard to beat.

Game 6 back home, all the pressure on the Suns. Deer District will be 30,000, arena will be 17,000. Should be an awesome night.

For those basketball fans that just want to watch a good series, not sure you could ask for anything more. These games have all been down to the last minute.

Supposedly Deer District reached "capacity" Saturday night and they were having to turn people away. For a road game, unreal.

[mufan2003]

Unbelievable shooting numbers from Saturday night's game. I can't imagine there are too many teams that combined to shoot that well in a Finals game:

Milwaukee: 57.5% FGs (50-87) and 50% 3-PT FGs (14-28)

Phoenix: 55.2% FGs (48-87) and 68.4% 3-PT FGs (13-19)

https://www.nba.com/news/bucks-big3-nba-history

[MUfan12]

From a neutral perspective this series has had to be a lot of fun. And it's been a really interesting chess match tactically when you dig into it.

This will surprise no one here, but I'm terrified about tomorrow. Have to think a major shooting regression is coming, and it would be the most Bucks thing ever to lose a closeout game 6 at home just to make it harder on themselves.

Clearly my 30+ years of Bucks fandom hasn't prepared me for how to deal with this moment. But I swear I'm having fun. It's great. But holy balls, the stress of it.

[Goose85]

From a neutral perspective this series has had to be a lot of fun. And it's been a really interesting chess match tactically when you dig into it.

This will surprise no one here, but I'm terrified about tomorrow. Have to think a major shooting regression is coming, and it would be the most Bucks thing ever to lose a closeout game 6 at home just to make it harder on themselves.

Clearly my 30+ years of Bucks fandom hasn't prepared me for how to deal with this moment. But I swear I'm having fun. It's great. But holy balls, the stress of it.

Agree that the NBA fan who isn't a Bucks or Suns fan must really be enjoying the series. Every game seems to go down to the wire.

I am trying to stay positive, and think the Bucks will win by double digits.

A lot of pressure on the Suns, who haven't even been in the playoffs in 10 years. I think the environment will be crazy, and I hope that fuels the Bucks and tightens up the Suns.

Yep, the big 3 for the Bucks all were hitting last game, and I hope it continues for another game. As MUFan2003 pointed out, both teams shot crazy good last game, so maybe both will be in for a regression.

Let's hope for an epic night for the Bucks.

[mufan2003]

The Bucks do make it stressful. They were down 16 points at the end of the 1st QTR and then up 10 at the end of the 3rd QTR. Then up 1 with one minute left. They could certainly lose tomorrow night, but I believe they have proven to be the better team. Just with Giannis, Khris and Jrue.....you have a 2X MVP who is 26 along with 2 Olympians. Brook has been an All-Star and on the men's national team.

Giannis, Khris, Brook, Pat have all experienced disappointment and not living up to expectations in 2019 (ECF loss to Toronto and best record) and 2020 (ECSF loss to Miami and best record). I can't imagine them taking this moment for granted. If they lose, it will be because Phoenix played out of their mind.

Tucker, with Houston, experienced disappointment in the 2018 WCF losing to Golden State after being up 3-2. Another guy who won't take this moment for granted.

Ayton, Bridges, Johnson, Payne, Booker.....the first playoff experience for all of these guys. Rarely does a team with so many guys in their first playoff experience go on to win a title. Just feels like the Bucks time, but they will have to earn it. I am sure the Suns will bring their A game.

[mufansince72]

The Deer District is being reconfigured to hold more than 40K tomorrow.

[Goose85]

The Deer District is being reconfigured to hold more than 40K tomorrow.

Wow, that is incredible.

[mufansince72]

Wow, that is incredible.

Actually, now up to 65K. Going to be a zoo.

[MUfan12]

Gameday. How we feeling? Any coping techniques to share? Because I'm a wreck.

[Goose85]

We could be up by 20 with 5 minutes left and I think I may still be a wreck.

Going to be a long day before tip off.

[mufan2003]

We could be up by 20 with 5 minutes left and I think I may still be a wreck.

Going to be a long day before tip off.

This sums it up for me. I don't feel good until there is zero time left on the clock and the Bucks have more points (lol).

What an opportunity for the players, the franchise, the city and even the state. If Giannis wins a ring at 26, it will only further solidify the fact that championships can be won in Milwaukee with Giannis. It would be similar to the way Brett Favre and Reggie White changed the way the Packers organization was looked at.

That being said, I am nervously confident.

[Goose85]

Great for the city, and I like how the Brewers have rescheduled their game. Hopefully it ends in time for some of the Brewers to get to the game.

Bucks hoping to close out a title, and now Brewers are up by 7.5. Great time to be a sports fan in MKE!

[IWB]

I am just sick. I have been following the Bucks since birth. I have covered the Bucks, I work in the basketball world... I named a website BrewCityBall.com... the biggest night in basketball history in the city of Milwaukee...

And I am in a hotel room across from the Mall of America due to my daughter's AAU tourney.

This blows. At lest my son is in the Deer District representing.

[Goose85]

Crazy night in MKE, starting with Giannis hitting 17 of 19 free throws after his free throw shooting was mocked by Chris Paul.

NBA Champs!!!!!

[MUfan12]

An amazing night and a rough morning.

They f*cking did it. Holy balls.

[mufan2003]

Just fantastic!!! Still seems surreal.

Giannis was on a hot mic after the game telling Coach Bud something along the lines of "let's go get another one next season!" I am just happy having won one, but Giannis could be the Bucks version of Tim Duncan. Similar to the Spurs, hopefully sustained success for the Bucks with a chance of multiple titles.....as hard as it is.

Time to purchase some championship gear!

[IWB]

Got to love Giannis. He is all over instagram, was on instagram live last night at the drive through ordering 50 McNuggets. Showed the workers the trophies.

Today he said he didn't sleep, went through a drive through at Chick Filet with both trophies letting everyone see and hold them.

Great quote, said, "I won it the right way. I didn't go to a super team I stayed with the team that drafted me in the city that supports us."

This is a great thing for Milwaukee.

[Goose85]

Ratings were pretty good for the NBA finals despite no LA or Golden State or NY team.

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-finals-bucks-suns-game-6-nba-most-watched-game-2019-233131773.html

[mufan2003]

All-Access to Game 6, about 70 minutes, put out by the Bucks on YouTube. Pretty good:

https://youtu.be/q4N7EYDLkvs

[MUfan12]

All-Access to Game 6, about 70 minutes, put out by the Bucks on YouTube. Pretty good:

https://youtu.be/q4N7EYDLkvs

Notice the Buck in the top right turns gold as the clock expires...

How great of a teammate is Brook? BP takes his closing minutes and he's encouraging him the whole way.