Bucks Zone

Ex-Buck Justin Jackson says the Nets would have won the 2021 title if it wasn't for Harden's and Kyrie's injuries

In an epic seven-game series filled with narratives, drama, and critical injuries, the Bucks toppled the Nets.

Matthew Dugandzic

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Former Milwaukee Bucks forward Justin Jackson believes that the 2021 championship wouldn't be in their possession if it weren't for the sudden injuries of James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

"If James Harden and Kyrie Irving do not get hurt, they lowkey sweep us when I was with the Bucks," he said in the Tidal League podcast. "They beat us by 40 in the first two games in Brooklyn. It was so bad I had my car shipped back home. I was like, 'Hey, I want my car to be there when I get there after these next two games [in Milwaukee].' It was nothing that we could do."

Revisiting the Bucks-Nets 2021 playoff war

The Bucks' 2021 second-round mega bout with the superteam Nets has been an intriguing topic for debate, considering the overwhelming narratives and the "what-ifs" that occurred throughout and upon the conclusion of the series.

Despite crushing Milwaukee at their home to a convincing 2-0 lead, Brooklyn found sudden hardships as both Irving (ankle) and Harden (hamstring) faced injuries. From there, the Bucks recovered and even extended the series to Game 7.

In the do-or-die tilt, with Irving out and Harden playing through his injury, Kevin Durant almost propelled the Nets' march to the East Finals with his game-winning three-point shot. But his infamously exceeding shoe size barred their entry, thus sending the clash to overtime, in which the Bucks emerged victorious. From there, the rest was just history.

"The crazy thing is James got hurt in the first game, they still beat us by 40 in the second game. They were still in charge of the series, then Kai rolls his ankle. And it's actually like we actually might have a chance now. Then we went to Game 7, and if KD's shoes was one size smaller, we lose."

Bottom line: Giannis and the Bucks won it all

While he doesn't intend to undermine his team's successful run, Jackson is convinced that the 2021 NBA title should be rightfully in the hands of the Nets — if they only remained healthy.

"Would have, could have, should if — if that team was healthy, they were winning the entire thing. I don't care anybody says. But sports happen, injuries happen. It's not their fault that they got hurt."

There's a saying that goes, "Availability is the best ability." In the end, the Bucks, especially Giannis Antetokounmpo, are well deserving of the triumph. Regardless of what happened to the Nets, it still doesn't erase the fact that Giannis and Co. delivered a spectacular run for the ages to clinch the franchise's second championship.

Kyrie Irving believes the 2021 Brooklyn Nets would have been NBA champions had Giannis Antetokounmpo not stepped on his foot

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.