In a scenario that seemed relatively unthinkable just over a week ago, the Bucks are now just 48 minutes from the Larry O’Brien Trophy following Saturday’s 123-119 nail-biter victory over the Suns. And if Milwaukee can in fact close the deal on Tuesday night (or Thursday in Phoenix), we should remember the Bucks with a special designation: this would be perhaps the most unconventional champion since the 2004 Pistons, one that hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy with a Big 3 that bears little resemblance to superteams of previous seasons.
The Bucks emerged as a championship contender over the last half-decade with a deeply unlikely duo, pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with former second-round pick Khris Middleton.