A Look Back at the 2021 NBA Finals Standings and Key Statistics

Looking back at the 2021 NBA Finals, I can't help but feel that particular championship series carried a unique weight that many casual observers might have missed. As someone who's followed the NBA for over two decades, I've seen numerous championship runs, but this one stood out because of the context surrounding both teams' journeys. The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately claimed the title against the Phoenix Suns in a thrilling six-game series, but what fascinates me most is how both teams arrived at that moment with complete rosters and no excuses - a luxury that isn't always present in championship series.

I remember thinking throughout the playoffs how different this felt from some previous championships where injuries created asterisks in fans' minds. The 2021 Finals presented two teams at near-full strength, which reminded me of that interesting dynamic we sometimes see in sports where having a complete lineup eliminates any potential "what if" scenarios. This time, however, everyone knew neither team could say they lost because their lineup was incomplete. Both squads had their key players available, and the outcome would be determined purely by performance rather than circumstance. Giannis Antetokounmpo was phenomenal throughout the series, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting an incredible 61.8% from the field. His 50-point performance in the closeout Game 6 was one of the greatest Finals performances I've ever witnessed live.

The Suns had their own standout performers, with Devin Booker putting up 27.3 points per game and Chris Paul contributing 21.8 points and 8.2 assists. What struck me about Phoenix's approach was how they leveraged their backcourt advantage, though ultimately Milwaukee's size and Giannis's dominance proved too much to handle. The Bucks' defense, particularly Jrue Holiday's perimeter pressure, created crucial turnovers at moments that shifted the series momentum. I've always believed championship teams need those "winning plays" that don't always show up in standard statistics - the deflections, the hustle for loose balls, the defensive rotations that disrupt offensive flow. Milwaukee excelled in these areas when it mattered most.

Statistics from the series reveal some fascinating patterns that support what we saw on the court. The Bucks outrebounded the Suns by an average of 46.7 to 40.3 per game, which created significant second-chance opportunities. Milwaukee also dominated in the paint, scoring 48.3 points per game inside compared to Phoenix's 38.2. These numbers highlight the fundamental basketball truth that still holds - controlling the interior often determines championship outcomes, despite the league's increasing emphasis on perimeter shooting. The three-point shooting percentages were remarkably close, with Phoenix at 37.5% and Milwaukee at 36.2%, which tells me the difference came down to which team could impose their style more effectively.

From my perspective, what made this championship particularly satisfying was witnessing Giannis's growth into a true franchise player who could deliver when it mattered most. Having watched his development since his rookie season, seeing him dominate the Finals felt like the culmination of years of work and dedication. The Bucks organization built around him perfectly, acquiring the right complementary pieces in Holiday and Brook Lopez while developing homegrown talent like Khris Middleton, who contributed 24.0 points per game in the series. Team construction matters immensely in the NBA, and Milwaukee's front office deserves credit for assembling a roster that could withstand the pressures of championship basketball.

The coaching matchup between Mike Budenholzer and Monty Williams provided another compelling layer to the series. Both coaches made strategic adjustments throughout, though I personally felt Budenholzer's decision to switch defensive assignments in Games 4 through 6 proved decisive. Having a complete roster allowed both coaches to implement their systems fully without limitations, which created a pure basketball contest decided by execution rather than circumstances beyond their control. This is what makes the 2021 Finals stand out in my memory - it was a clean competition where the best team truly won.

Reflecting on the broader implications, this series demonstrated how championship teams often need to overcome specific hurdles that have plagued them in previous seasons. For Milwaukee, it was about proving they could win when expectations were highest, while for Phoenix, it was about establishing themselves as legitimate contenders after years of rebuilding. The standings showed Milwaukee finishing the regular season with 46 wins against 26 losses, while Phoenix posted an impressive 51-21 record. These numbers positioned both teams as genuine championship material, though regular season success doesn't always translate to playoff performance. What impressed me was how both teams elevated their games when it mattered, with Milwaukee particularly improving their defensive intensity as the series progressed.

The legacy of the 2021 NBA Finals continues to influence how teams approach roster construction and playoff preparation. Having witnessed numerous championship runs, I believe this series reinforced the importance of health and availability at the most crucial moment. Teams can have all the talent in the world, but if they're not whole when the Finals arrive, their chances diminish significantly. The complete rosters for both Milwaukee and Phoenix created the ideal competitive environment, allowing for a championship series decided purely by performance rather than circumstance. In my view, this makes the 2021 NBA Finals one of the most authentic championships in recent memory, serving as a reminder of what basketball at its highest level should represent - the best teams with their best players competing for the ultimate prize without reservations or excuses.