By Adam Roberts – 7/12/2021
I had a privilege of getting to travel solo to the Deer District for yesterday’s NBA Finals game in Milwaukee. Standing shoulder to shoulder with over 25,000 other individuals outside Fiserv Forum was a sports experience unlike any I’ve ever had before and made me feel like I was a part of the massive crowds from World Cups in the past. I’d probably try to go with friends next time, but it was still awesome to share in the camaraderie of everyone else in downtown Milwaukee.
To top it off, the game going on inside the forum was plenty exciting and engaging to keep the energy lively outside.
Facing the possibility of a 3-0 deficit in the Finals, Milwaukee stepped up big on their home court. Giannis was naturally the star once again, with 41 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists coupled with 21 from Jrue Holiday and three other Bucks in double figures. The 120-100 victory ensured that the series will at least see a Game Five, and kept the dream of #BucksIn6 alive.
Of course the result of the game must take into consideration that Phoenix star Devin Booker played only 29 minutes for 10 points and was held out for a sizeable chunk of the end of the game. Whether the decision by head coach Monty Williams was for load management or other reasons is up to you to decide, but one of the Suns’ two biggest play makers was a nonfactor during what is the most important part of the game. I have a hard time believing that will be the case going forward in this series.
Stat wise, the Bucks shot just under 48 percent for the game and just under 39 percent from three. Also nice to see was Giannis shooting 13-17 from the free throw line, with the friendly confines of Fiserv possibly providing the type of forgiving environment that was plagued him at times on the road.
The series will pick up Wednesday in Milwaukee, with coverage beginning at 7pm on ESPN La Crosse 105.5 and espnlacrosse.com!