Mikal Bridges’ candid revelation on the “Roommates Show” with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart sheds light on the Phoenix Suns’ unexpected downfall in the 2021 NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite securing a commanding 2-0 series lead, Bridges confessed that the Suns underestimated the Bucks and the Eastern Conference as a whole, leading to their eventual defeat.
“I remember going up 2-0, I thought we was good. I was like, ‘Oh, we ’bout win the chip.’ Especially in the West, the West all had tough teams. East, we were like, ‘East, really like whatever.’”
“We go see Milwaukee, we over here like, ‘Man it’s light. It’s the East.’ It’s Milwaukee, I know they got Giannis (Antetokounmpo), obviously they got hoopers, but I’m like, ‘The West is tougher than the East.’ We’re like, ‘We good.’”
“Go up 2-0, we’re like, ‘Exactly, this is what we’ve been talking about, like it’s the East, bro, we’re about to win this.’ Then, they ran up four straight, I just couldn’t believe it. I actually couldn’t believe it.”
Mikal Bridges confessed that the Phoenix Suns underestimated the Milwaukee Bucks in the finals
“We over here like ‘man it’s light, it’s the east.’”😅
(🎥 @Roommates__Show / https://t.co/xprOcv2MZK) pic.twitter.com/0UwjooIV6B
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 16, 2024
Bridges‘ remarks reflect a common sentiment among the Suns’ camp at the time, as they believed that their path to the championship would be relatively straightforward after securing a 2-0 lead. However, their complacency proved costly, as the Bucks mounted a remarkable comeback, winning four consecutive games to clinch the title.
The unforeseen turn of events serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating opponents and the importance of maintaining focus and humility, especially in high-stakes competitions like the NBA Finals. Despite their initial confidence, the Suns ultimately fell short, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports and the need for mental resilience and adaptability.
The Suns’ journey to the Finals was marked by impressive victories over formidable Western Conference opponents, including the Los Angeles Lakers (4-2), Denver Nuggets (4-0), and Los Angeles Clippers (4-2). However, their success in the West may have bred a sense of overconfidence, particularly when facing the Bucks from the supposedly weaker Eastern Conference.
Bridges’ introspective reflection on the Suns’ loss underscores the psychological battles that unfold behind the scenes in professional sports, emphasizing the delicate balance between confidence and complacency. As the Suns and Bridges reflect on their experience, they can draw valuable lessons from their defeat, fueling their determination to strive for excellence and redemption in future endeavors.
The Suns Chocked Away Their Best Chance To Win A Title 2 Years In A Row
The Phoenix Suns‘ recent history in the NBA playoffs has been marked by missed opportunities and heartbreaking defeats, epitomizing the phrase “choking away their best chance to win a title” two years in a row.
In the 2021 NBA Finals, the Suns found themselves in a favorable position, leading the series 2-0 against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, their promising start quickly turned into a nightmare as they suffered an unprecedented collapse, losing four consecutive games and ultimately surrendering the championship. Both Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the Suns’ star players, were effectively neutralized by the Bucks’ defense, contributing to the team’s downfall in a stunning turn of events.
The disappointment continued into the 2022 NBA Playoffs, where the Suns entered as the league’s top seed with an impressive record of 64-18. They were widely regarded as the best team in the league, boasting stellar offensive and defensive performances throughout the season. However, their postseason journey came to a premature end as they were eliminated in a grueling seven-game series against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals.
The decisive Game 7 of the series was particularly disheartening for Suns fans, as their team suffered a humiliating defeat. The Mavericks dominated from start to finish, building an insurmountable lead by halftime. To add insult to injury, Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ superstar, outscored the entire Suns team in the first half in a staggering display of individual brilliance.
These consecutive playoff disappointments have left the Suns and their supporters reeling, pondering what could have been if they had capitalized on their prime opportunities. The team’s failures to deliver when it mattered most serve as a painful reminder of the unpredictability and cruelty of postseason basketball, where the margin for error is razor-thin and the consequences of failure are profound.
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