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The stage for the 2021 NBA Finals is all set, as the Phoenix Suns will lock horns with the Milwaukee Bucks for a shot at the Larry O'Brien trophy. The Milwaukee Bucks are gunning for their first title since 1971, while the Phoenix Suns are looking to add the elusive title to their cabinet for the first time.
Championships are sometimes defined by fine margins, and we take a look at the three key matchups which could tilt the series in either team's favor.
2021 NBA Finals: 3 enticing matchups to watch out for
The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns are both phenomenally talented sides, who are coached by two top coaches. The Bucks are reliant on two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to wreak havoc on both ends of the floor, and the Greek Freak has been incredible throughout the postseason.
In Phoenix's case, it is a tandem between guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker that has caused opposition teams all sorts of problems in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
With that said, let's check out the three most enticing individual matchups ahead of the 2021 NBA Finals.
#3 DeAndre Ayton (Phoenix Suns) vs Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks)
In a league that has started to move away from a traditional center-based approach, Brook Lopez and DeAndre Ayton have dominated proceedings in the paint on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Lopez recently turned back the clock, dropping 33 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks on a staggering 14-18 shooting in a pivotal Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks. However, the former Brooklyn Nets star will have a more defense-oriented role when he comes up against Suns' DeAndre Ayton in the 2021 NBA Finals.
Ayton has averaged 16 points and close to 12 rebounds in 16 playoff games so far. What makes these numbers more impressive is the fact that he has done so on 70.8% shooting from the field. Ayton could be a tricky customer in the paint, and Brook Lopez will have to find a way to contain the Bahamian big.
#2 Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks) vs Mikal Bridges (Phoenix Suns)
Khris Middleton's overall offensive play will be a major threat to the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals. Middleton is a brilliant ball-handler and shooter who can both create open looks for himself and his teammates.
Khris Middleton's performances in the last two games of the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks series have shown that he is not afraid of the bright lights and can be the closer the Milwaukee Bucks need him to be.
Monty Williams is likely to deploy forward Mikal Bridges, who has made his name as a pure defensive stopper, on Middleton. Bridges' combination of defensive IQ, athleticism and quick hands make him an impeccable defender, and it will be intriguing to see how Middleton finds a way around him in the 2021 NBA Finals.
#1 Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) vs Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns)
Chris Paul's addition to the Phoenix Suns' roster has worked wonders for the franchise, as the 'Point God' has proven to be the key catalyst in this historic Suns' playoff run. Paul has reached this stage of an NBA season for the first time in his 16-year career, and he will be desperate to make his presence felt in the 2021 NBA finals.
Paul is likely to come up against his counterpart Jrue Holiday, who is expected to be utilized more for his defensive prowess rather than offense. Holiday is a lockdown defender and multiple point guards have revealed him to be the toughest defender they have faced in their careers.
However, Chris Paul is a veteran who is adept at exploiting his matchup's weaknesses, which could put Holiday in a precarious position. Holiday's strength could affect Paul's play around the cup and his closeouts could result in heavily contested 3's. But the 'Point God' is a mid-range assassin who could make the Bucks pay from that area in the 2021 NBA Finals.
Guess the Lakers players!
