The 2021 NBA Finals matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks has multiple stars representing on both sides.
Phoenix, which ended a decade-long playoff drought, is seeking its first NBA title. Leading the way for the Suns this season has been Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the savvy backcourt duo that can punish defenses in myriad ways.
The Bucks haven’t won a ring since 1971, and the current roster is one of the best the franchise has ever had. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have all been spectacular this season in getting Milwaukee one game away from winning it all.
During Game 5 in Phoenix, another NBA star came to watch: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
Antetokounmpo discussed what it was like having James watch the game live and if he interacted with James during the match, via NBA TV:
“This is not a promo, but the night before I was watching Space Jam.” 😂
Giannis jokes about LeBron being courtside at Game 5. pic.twitter.com/n6XAHc2etH
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 19, 2021
“Crazy. First time he was in the Finals was 2007, I wasn’t playing basketball. That’s crazy to think about…I didn’t have the chance to engage with him, and I wouldn’t engage with him. That’s something I don’t do, it doesn’t matter who. It might be my mother, she’s sitting on the courtside seat, I don’t engage while I’m playing. I just focus on basketball.
But this is a crazy story. This is not a promo, but the night before I was watching Space Jam. … But no, I wasn’t able to engage with him in any way.”
Game 6 is on Tuesday and will take place on Milwaukee’s home floor. With a 3-2 series lead, Milwaukee has the chance to claim the title in front of its fans if it can cool off the Suns for one more game.
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