NBA Finals Standings 2021: Complete Team Rankings and Championship Results

Looking back at the 2021 NBA Finals, I still get chills remembering how the Milwaukee Bucks clinched that championship. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of teams fall short due to injuries or incomplete rosters—something that always sparks debate among fans and analysts. In fact, I recall a situation from college basketball where La Salle couldn’t use an "incomplete lineup" as an excuse after a tough loss, and it got me thinking: in the pros, especially during the Finals, there’s no room for such explanations. Every team has to bring their A-game, fully stocked or not, and that’s exactly what made the 2021 season so compelling. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, faced a Phoenix Suns squad that many had underestimated, and what unfolded was a masterclass in resilience and strategy.

The journey to the Finals was anything but straightforward. Milwaukee finished the regular season with a 46-26 record, placing them third in the Eastern Conference, while the Suns dominated the West with a 51-21 tally. I’ve always believed that regular-season performance only tells part of the story, and 2021 proved it—the playoffs were a brutal test of depth and adaptability. The Bucks had to battle through the Brooklyn Nets, a team stacked with stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden, and honestly, I thought they were done when they fell behind 2-0. But Giannis and his crew dug deep, winning four of the next five games in a series that averaged over 110 points per game for both sides. It reminded me of that La Salle scenario; no one could say Milwaukee won because of luck or opponent weaknesses. They earned it with sheer grit, and as a fan, it was inspiring to watch.

When the Finals kicked off, the Suns jumped to a 2-0 lead, and I’ll admit, I started doubting the Bucks. Phoenix’s backcourt duo of Devin Booker and Chris Paul seemed unstoppable, combining for nearly 55 points in Game 1. But then, the momentum shifted. Giannis dropped 41 points in Game 3, followed by a 40-point explosion in Game 4, and suddenly, the series was tied. From my perspective, this is where coaching and experience made all the difference. Mike Budenholzer’s adjustments for Milwaukee, like tightening their defense and exploiting mismatches, were spot-on. Meanwhile, the Suns, who’d relied heavily on their starters all season, seemed to wear down. It’s a lesson I’ve seen time and again: in high-stakes games, having a complete, healthy roster matters, but so does mental toughness. The Bucks showcased both, especially when Jrue Holiday’s clutch steals in Game 5 turned the tide for good.

By Game 6, the energy was electric, and Milwaukee sealed the deal with a 105-98 victory. Giannis finished with a historic 50 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks—numbers that still blow my mind. Reflecting on the championship results, the Bucks’ triumph wasn’t just about one player; it was a collective effort, with contributions from role players like Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. In contrast, the Suns, though impressive, couldn’t overcome their late-series struggles, and I’d argue their bench depth was a factor. According to post-game stats, Milwaukee’s bench outscored Phoenix’s by an average of 8 points in the final three games, which might seem small but made a huge difference. It’s similar to that La Salle reference earlier—when you’re in a championship fight, every piece of the puzzle counts, and excuses like incomplete lineups just don’t hold up.

Wrapping up, the 2021 NBA Finals left a lasting impact on how I view team dynamics in sports. The Bucks’ climb from underdogs to champions, overcoming a 2-0 deficit, underscores the importance of perseverance and roster cohesion. Sure, injuries can derail a season—we’ve seen it with teams like the Lakers that year—but Milwaukee’s story is a testament to playing with what you have, and playing smart. As we look ahead to future seasons, I’m convinced that this Finals will be remembered not just for Giannis’s heroics, but for reminding us that in basketball, as in life, you can’t blame external factors for losses. You’ve got to own the game, and that’s what makes it beautiful.