The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DEANDRE Ayton’s quest to become just the third Bahamian player to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy begins in earnest tonight when his Phoenix Suns host the Milwaukee Bucks in game one of the 2021 NBA Finals.

The Western Conference champion Suns (51-21) will have home court advantage over the Eastern Conference’s Bucks (46-26) when the series tips off 9pm tonight at Phoenix Arena in Arizona.

Game two is Thursday, July 8 in Phoenix before the series shifts to Milwaukee for Games three (Sunday, July 11 at 8pm) and four (Wednesday, July 14 at 9pm).

Game five (if necessary) is back in Phoenix on July 17 at 9pm, game six (if necessary) is in Milwaukee on July 20 at 9pm and the Suns will host game seven (if necessary), at 9pm July 22.

All games will be broadcast on ABC.

The Suns won both regular season matchups by a combined margin of two points, a 125-124 win on February 10 and a 128-127 overtime win on April 19.

Ayton told reporters at yesterday’s media day that he expects those previous matchups to have little impact on this series.

“This is the playoffs, Lord knows what they’re going to throw at us. It’s about sticking to the script, not changing anything and playing together, moving the ball, attacking in transition as best as we can and making sure we clean up the glass on the defensive end,” he said.

“The job is not done, this moment is alright, but as a group we know we haven’t done anything yet.” While the Suns are relatively healthy, one of the major storylines of this year’s finals is the health of Bucks All-Star forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo who suffered a knee injury in the Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters that he does not have an expectation for whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 1, but he added: “He did court work. He’s making progress and we’re pleased he’s making progress.”

Ayton said he has prepared for Antetokounmpo to make a return to the floor.

“Being the first man on defence, showing a presence, always showing my hands and matching his physicality,” Ayton said, “Giannis is a guy whose motor is insane and you just have to match it and compete. That’s what it comes down to at the end of the day, just competing.”

Ayton, who helped lead the Suns to their first Finals berth since 1993, averaged 17.8 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in the Conference Finals.

He also averaged 16.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs and has seen the team progress from a 19-36 record in his rookie season to a season of milestones and four wins away from the franchise’s first title.

“It’s crazy. It’s only my third year and seeing the reaction of C (Chris Paul) made me appreciate it even more. I know people say ‘live in the moment’ but that moment was too long. I was like, is this too good to be true. I just have to enjoy this night and get back at it and get ready for the finals,” Ayton said to reporters.

Ayton completed his high school career in Arizona at Hillcrest Academy, and played his lone season of NCAA basketball in the state at the University of Arizona. He said his time in the state and witnessing the progression of the Suns in recent years has created a special bond with the community.

“Being a Sun is amazing because you know the type of fans and city you have behind you. First of all the organisation and your teammates is lit, they all show the same love they all feel like family, but when the city got you - and I’ve been feeling that all year - you’re playing for more than just for your family and organisation, you’re playing for the fans,” Ayton said, “I’ve been here in Arizona since I was 16, I’ve seen it all. I seen when [Devin Bookers] got to Phoenix, I was in 11th grade. I was here through college, I’ve seen the ups and downs and it means a lot.”

Mychal Thompson won NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988 followed by Rick Fox who won a trio of titles with the Lakers from 2000-2002. Ayton looks to add to that legacy of Bahamian success in the NBA Finals.

“I’m trying to bring that ‘Larry’ back to the Bahamas,” Ayton told Marc Spears of The Undefeated, “I’m trying.”