Game 1 NBA Finals 2021: Key Plays and Turning Points That Decided the Championship Opener

As I settled into my couch with game-day snacks, the energy of Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals felt electric even through the screen. Having analyzed championship openers for over a decade, I've learned these initial contests often reveal more about a team's championship DNA than any analytics sheet could capture. The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns stepped onto that court with everything to prove - not just about their skills, but about their mental fortitude in a series where every point carries weight. In championship basketball, much like in volleyball's scoring system where teams earn three match points for decisive 3 or 4-set wins, two for hard-fought 5-set victories, and still one for valiant 5-set losses, the margin between triumph and heartbreak often comes down to mere moments.

From the opening tip, Phoenix established their rhythm with surgical precision. Chris Paul, in his first Finals appearance at age 36, looked like he'd been here a dozen times before. His mid-range mastery in the first quarter was something to behold - he went 6-for-7 from that sweet spot between the paint and three-point line. What impressed me most wasn't just the makes, but the timing. Every time Milwaukee threatened to build momentum, Paul would sink another dagger. By halftime, he'd already racked up 32 points and 8 assists, numbers that would make most players happy for an entire game. The Suns built a commanding 57-49 lead, but having watched Giannis Antetokounmpo overcome adversity before, I knew this was far from over.

The third quarter presented what I believe was the game's true turning point. With 7:34 remaining and Phoenix leading 71-62, Giannis drove hard to the basket and came down awkwardly on his left knee. My heart sank watching him crumple to the floor - we'd all seen that knee hyperextend just two weeks earlier against Atlanta. The entire arena went silent. But what happened next defines championship mentality. After several tense minutes, Giannis rose and stayed in the game. His first possession back? A powerful dunk that ignited both his team and the crowd. That single moment shifted something fundamental in Milwaukee's psyche. Suddenly, they weren't playing careful basketball anymore - they were playing with purpose.

What followed was a masterclass in adjustment from Suns coach Monty Williams. Recognizing Milwaukee's renewed energy, Phoenix began running their offense through Devin Booker in creative ways. The Suns implemented what I like to call "screen sequencing" - using consecutive picks to create mismatches. Their third-quarter execution was nearly flawless, shooting 68% from the field while committing only one turnover. Yet basketball has this beautiful unpredictability - sometimes perfect execution still isn't enough when determination takes over.

The fourth quarter delivered the drama we crave from Finals basketball. With 5:32 remaining and Phoenix clinging to a 98-95 lead, Jrue Holiday made the defensive play that arguably saved Milwaukee's championship hopes. He stripped Booker on a drive, leading to a fast-break dunk that cut the lead to one. Those transition opportunities became Milwaukee's lifeline - they outscored Phoenix 18-6 on fast breaks in the second half. The statistical significance mirrors volleyball's match point system where teams earn maximum points for decisive wins - Milwaukee's comeback transformed what could have been a straightforward 3-point victory into something far more meaningful for their championship psyche.

Watching Khris Middleton's clutch performance down the stretch reminded me why some players are built for these moments. His step-back jumper over Mikal Bridges with 1:24 left gave Milwaukee their first lead since the opening minutes. Then, after Paul tied it with two free throws, Middleton did it again - this time with 27 seconds remaining, sinking what became the game-winning basket. Those shots represent more than just points - they're confidence manifesting itself when everything's on the line. Milwaukee's 118-105 victory doesn't fully capture how tightly contested this game truly was. The final margin disguises a battle that featured 18 lead changes and 11 ties.

Reflecting on this opener, I'm struck by how championship basketball mirrors life's important moments - preparation meets opportunity, but courage ultimately decides outcomes. Phoenix executed their game plan nearly perfectly for three quarters, much like a volleyball team that dominates early sets. Yet Milwaukee's resilience, particularly after Giannis's injury scare, demonstrated the intangible quality that often separates champions from contenders. The 23-9 run Milwaukee mounted in the final six minutes wasn't just about strategy - it was about will. As someone who's witnessed numerous championship journeys, I can confidently say this opening game will be remembered not for the statistics, but for the moment a team decided their story wasn't finished being written. The Bucks didn't just win a basketball game - they announced they were here to fight, and sometimes that mental victory matters more than the numbers on the scoreboard.