'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Winning an NBA title is no easy task; a lot of things can go wrong during the seven-game NBA Finals series. Off nights from star players are bound to happen and devastating injuries are just a play away, thereby altering the narrative of the situation entirely.
This statement is especially true for the 2021-22 season, where several teams suffered injuries to key players. Just ask the Milwaukee Bucks, who anticipated starting the 2021 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns without their All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
2021 NBA Finals: Key role players to monitor
While organizations rely heavily on superstars in their push for an NBA championship, their role players can turn out to be the difference makers too. A collective effort is needed for any team to succeed and having versatile role players goes a long way in mounting a legitimate title run.
On that note, let's look at the five role players to watch out for in the 2021 NBA Finals.
#1 Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns)
Mikal Bridges has played a major role in helping the Phoenix Suns overcome a 28-year drought and get back to the NBA Finals. Bridges was the only Suns player to suit up for all 72 games during the regular season. During that span, he managed to be their fourth-best scorer, averaging 13.5 points per game while shooting 54.3% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range.
Bridges' exceptional length and athleticism allow the Phoenix Suns to play him at multiple positions. His ability to guard the perimeter gives head coach Monty Williams options to go with big or small lineups.
Mikal Bridges was instrumental for the Phoenix Suns on both ends of the court in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He also had the tough defensive assignment of guarding Khris Middleton. Look for Bridges to continue making an impact in transition, scoring off the ball and being a reliable three-point option.
#2 Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks)
After playing nine seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer, Brook Lopez joined the LA Lakers in 2017. The move didn't pan out, but Lopez was able to find a new home in Milwaukee the very next year.
The 13-year veteran is more than capable of posting big numbers, as was proved by his playoff career-high 33-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
At 7'0", Lopez is a modern-day stretch five who can knock down three-pointers with consistency, creating space for Giannis Antetokounmpo and spreading the floor for crafty ball-handlers such as Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
Lopez was very efficient on the offensive end in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, shooting 50% from the field (7-of-14) and 60% from three-point range (3-of-5). But the Milwaukee Bucks will expect more from him on defense.
The Phoenix Suns took advantage of Lopez in pick-and-roll situations in Game 1, with Chris Paul and Devin Booker torching the Bucks from mid-range. Head coach Mike Budenholzer cannot afford to sit Lopez because of his scoring ability and will need to make adjustments to maximize his output on both ends of the floor.
#3 Cameron Payne (Phoenix Suns)
Cameron Payne is probably the most significant role player from either team in the NBA Finals. The point guard is pretty much the coach on the floor, as can be seen by the leadership of veteran guard Chris Paul. Payne will be tasked with taking over from CP3 when the latter hits the bench.
Chris Paul is just three games away from winning his first NBA title, but there has always been that cloud looming over him concerning his fitness. Cameron Payne has already had to step up in Paul's absence during the 2021 playoffs. Payne recorded a combined 18 assists with just one turnover in the first two games of the Western Conference Finals against the LA Clippers, which Paul had to miss due to COVID.
Cam Payne will aim to provide energy and smart playmaking off the bench. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns paired Payne with either Paul or Devin Booker, which allowed them to keep one natural passer on the floor at all times. Payne can also use his pace to finish at the rim. He's an excellent free-throw shooter, making 93.8% of his attempts from the line in the 2021 playoffs.
#4 PJ Tucker (Milwaukee Bucks)
Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo rose to the occasion in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, we cannot forget that he is still recovering from a knee injury. To limit the wear and tear on Antetokounmpo's knee, the Milwaukee Bucks will look to PJ Tucker to be more of a threat on both ends of the court.
While his production suggests that he can only play a limited role, Tucker has the ability to impact the game in ways that do not appear on the stat sheet. With his energy, hustle and toughness, Tucker can be more of a presence inside the paint to trouble the Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, who had 19 rebounds in the NBA Finals opener.
Offensively, PJ Tucker can be a potent spot-up shooter from the perimeter. He's shot corner threes at an accuracy of 37.9% throughout his career. If his teammates can create more looks for him, Tucker can be a significant offensive weapon for the Milwaukee Bucks throughout the NBA Finals.
#5 Cameron Johnson (Phoenix Suns)
Cameron Johnson can be the wild card for the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals. Whether it's knocking down a big shot in a clutch moment or coming up with a key defensive stop, Johnson has the ability to do it all.
Coming out of the University of North Carolina, Cameron Johnson was seen by many as the best shooter in the 2019 NBA Draft class. He's proving those assumptions to be true by shooting 50.6% from the field, 45.5% from downtown and 88.9% from the free-throw line in the ongoing playoffs.
At 6'8" and 210 lbs, Johnson can shoot from deep but is also known for his slashing and cutting abilities. He can defend multiple positions and is also a decent rebounder. He's played a limited role in the 2021 NBA Finals, but he can step up if needed or if one of the main guys suffers an injury.
Also read: Top 5 players who can be the 2021 NBA Finals MVP
Guess the Lakers players!
