HIGHLIGHTS: Suns vs Bucks, Game 1 – NBA Finals 2021

After a grueling postseason marred by injuries, the stage is finally set for the 2021 NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks.

The best-of-seven series, which is set to kick off on Tuesday, July 6 (Wednesday, July 7, Manila time), features two squads, who haven’t been to the Finals in a very long time.

(UPDATE: Chris Paul propels Suns to victory in NBA Finals opener)

The Suns, led by superstar guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul, look to capture their first ever NBA title as they return to the league’s biggest stage for the first time since 1993.

Booker has been stellar for the Suns in this year’s playoffs, averaging 27.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, while Paul is averaging 18.1 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds.

The 36-year-old Paul, who is set to play in his first NBA Finals game in his 16-year career, is coming off an impressive 41-point explosion in the Suns’ series-clinching victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in their Western Conference Finals series.

Meanwhile, the Bucks, who last entered the Finals in 1974, aim for their second NBA championship after winning their first one in 1971.

However, the odds are stacked against the Bucks heading into Game 1 as two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this postseason, is listed as “doubtful” to play after suffering a knee injury in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Atlanta Hawks.

With Antetokounmpo’s status for the series opener still up in the air, the Bucks will rely on their own deadly backcourt duo of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, who both shined in the series clincher versus the Hawks.

As both teams clash for the highly anticipated Game 1, will the Suns flex their dominance at home, or will the Bucks score an upset on the road?

Game time is 9 am, Manila time.

Bucks v Suns Game 1 – Curated tweets by RapplerSports

– Rappler.com