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5 reasons why Bucks can beat Phoenix Suns in NBA Finals

By Brian Sampson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 03: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on July 03, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 03: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on July 03, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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After being the most dominant regular-season team in the NBA over the last three years, the Milwaukee Bucks finally carried that success into the postseason and are on their way to the NBA Finals. Although it wasn’t pretty, the job was done.

At least one of the jobs. Milwaukee will now tip-off against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals with Game 1 coming in Phoenix on Tuesday night. The Bucks aren’t satisfied with a mere appearance in the NBA Finals. Instead, they are here to win it all.

It will be a difficult challenge, to be sure. The Bucks lost their best player, two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the year in Giannis Antetokounmpo after a scary-looking knee injury in the Eastern Conference Finals. After being diagnosed with left knee hyperextension his availability is unknown for the upcoming series. With or without him, Milwaukee will have to find a way to defeat the favored Suns in this series. Here are five reasons how they can do exactly that.

The Milwaukee Bucks have a chance of a lifetime to take down the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. Here are five reasons why they can do it.

Reason #5 why Bucks can win NBA Finals: Owning the glass

The Bucks were one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the regular season–tying for third in defensive rebound percentage at 75.5 percent. That percentage has actually increased this postseason, as Milwaukee has continued to dominate the defensive boards. Meanwhile, the Suns rarely attack the offensive glass–ranking 25th in offensive rebound percentage in the regular season and second to last among all 16 teams to make this postseason.

A lot of what the Bucks do starts on the defensive end of the court (spoiler: more on that later), but you can’t play good defense without finishing the play with a rebound. Milwaukee should be able to dominate the boards if they can force the Suns into enough misses.

The dominance on the glass won’t just translate to when the Bucks are on defense, either, as they hold an equally strong advantage when they’re on offense. Head coach Mike Budenholzer put an extra emphasis on offensive rebounding this season and it’s been aided with the addition of a consistent player in the dunking spot. Milwaukee has rebounded nearly a third of their misses this postseason which has helped make up for their cold shooting from the outside. If the Bucks can continue to rack up second-chance points, they’ll be able to hang in there against the healthy Suns.

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