(Reuters) — The Milwaukee Bucks won the franchise’s first NBA championship in 50 years with a 105-98 win over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
With the victory, the Bucks clinched the NBA Finals 4-2 and became only the fifth team to win the best-of-seven championship series after losing the first two games.
Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a masterpiece as he led the way for Milwaukee to secure a championship that will surely soothe the Bucks’ recent history of postseason failure.
Phoenix overcame a slow start to the game and led by as many as seven points early in the third quarter but could not contain Antetokounmpo down the stretch.
Suns guard Chris Paul had a team-high 26 points.
MVP
Antetokounmpo was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
In the championship-clinching game, the Greek forward recorded a playoff career-high 50 points to go along with 14 rebounds and five blocks.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs from the rim following a slam dunk during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 20, 2021.
Fans pack the Deer District during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 20, 2021.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the fourth quarter during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 20, 2021.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 20, 2021.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) accepts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award from NBA commissioner Adam Silver after game six of the 2021 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 20, 2021.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after game six of the 2021 NBA Finals and the championship against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 20, 2021.
