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USA Today via Reuters
Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half in game one of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-07-07T012928Z_740834492_MT1USATODAY16376686_RTRMADP_3_NBA-FINALS-MILWAUKEE-BUCKS-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half in game one of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, two teams in the Lakers and the Nets were the biggest favorites to win the championship. But with injuries ailing both the teams, one team clearly took advantage of the same, the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks who had acquired Jrue Holiday were never seen as a clear favorite. With Giannis Antetokounmpo at the helm, the Bucks had a strong regular season but given Giannis’ poor record in the playoffs, many counted them out as an Eastern Conference power house.
But with victories against the likes of Heat, Nets, Hawks and finally the Suns, Giannis certainly proved that he is capable enough of leading his team to a championship. With dominance on both ends of the floor, the Bucks really established themselves as a team to be reckoned with.
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Charles Barkley reveals why he likes Giannis led Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks certainly made a name for themselves with their latest championship. But despite their title win, the Bucks are no-where to be seen in the projected top teams of the league this season.
Rather teams like the Nets and the Lakers who made big changes in the off-season are the top two. The organisation and its players, though, seem unbothered by the same and haven’t had any comments on the matter. The same attitude certainly impressed Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.
In a recent appearance at NBA on TNT, Barkley said, “I want to say one thing about them. I love the fact they never say anything. All of these fools and jackasses in our business have been talking about Brooklyn for the last six months, everybody picking Brooklyn. Everybody picking the Lakers in the West. Milwaukee Bucks, I love the fact they never say anything.”
In a NBA media where the teams like the Nets and the Lakers are being heavily favored, the Bucks might be the silent killers in the lot. Retaining the major pieces key for the championship and even adding some more firepower in Grayson Allen, Milwaukee looks set to dominate.
Their opening night matchup was also off the flier as they stormed to 127-104 win against the Nets. Is this the sign of things to come in the Eastern Conference? Can Giannis and the Bucks repeat this season?
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