The Milwaukee Bucks had a magical 2020/21 NBA season, winning their first championship in 50 years, with Giannis Antetokounmpo getting the Finals MVP after beating the Phoenix Suns in six games.
It was a big team effort that took the franchise to the top of the league. Before the season started, nobody thought Giannis could do the job, which fueled the player's determination to prove his doubters wrong. The Bucks' front office did a terrific job, too, bringing Jrue Holiday and PJ Tucker to improve their defense.
Moreover, they made sure to protect Giannis at all costs, even if that meant taking extreme decisions regarding their employees. The Bucks wanted to win it all after several years of failing to make the Finals.
Their desire was so huge that they even asked staffers to suspend their social life in order to protect Antetokounmpo from the COVID-19 disease that affected many players during the season.
Via Matt Sullivan of Rolling Stone:
“Don’t be the one who f—- this up for everybody. This was the unwritten rule of the Milwaukee Bucks, heading into their championship season.”
“Preparing for life outside the Magic Kingdom, the Bucks would explicitly encourage staffers to sacrifice their social lives; if Giannis Antetokounmpo went from the gym to his mansion and back, so would you."
Flash forward, we know that method worked, as Giannis took the team to the championship, recording one of the most impressive playoffs runs in NBA history.
It took a lot, plenty of people had to sacrifice different things, but it eventually worked out for the Bucks. They're the defending NBA champions after that magical run, and Giannis is trying to do the same this year.
Even though the Bucks have struggled to find their touch, Antetokounmpo picked things right where he left them, leading this squad with remarkable performances. It's still early to say whether they'll win the title or not, but nobody should sleep on the Bucks and their championship pedigree.
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