When did the 2021 NBA Finals begin?
The 2021 NBA Finals began on July 6, marking the second-latest start date in championship history. This delay resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic altering the league schedule for the second consecutive year.
Questions about 2021 NBA Finals
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who won the 2021 NBA Finals and when was the series clinched?
Milwaukee won their first title since 1971 by defeating Phoenix on July 20. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a playoff career-high 50 points to clinch the championship.
What were the key roster changes for Milwaukee and Phoenix before the 2021 NBA Finals?
Milwaukee acquired guard Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Pelicans while Phoenix added All-Star Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder. These moves set the stage for both teams to reach the championship under unusual circumstances.
How many games did it take to complete the 2021 NBA Finals?
The series concluded in six games with Milwaukee winning Game 6 on July 20. The average rating across all six games reached 5.2 with an audience of 9.91 million American households.
Why was the 2021 NBA Finals considered historic regarding team performance?
Phoenix entered the season with just a .302 winning percentage over the previous five seasons, representing the worst figure in five years prior for any team advancing to a final playoff round. Milwaukee became the first team to win on the road in this series after trailing 0-2.