The Atlanta Hawks couldn’t get it done. They gave it a valiant effort but, in the end, it wasn’t enough against a dominant Milwaukee Bucks squad. With the Eastern Conference Finals a wrap, the NBA Finals are now set and, if the last series is anything like what basketball fans and sports gamblers have been gifted so far, this should make for a very exciting – and sometimes entertaining – matchup. The first game of the Finals will be held tomorrow.

Glory Days End for the Hawks

The Hawks had one last shot to make their series go all the way to seven games, but they lost that chance on Saturday. The Bucks proved to be a little too tough, capturing a 118-107 victory in Game 6 to secure the Eastern Conference and a spot in the NBA Finals. It is the first time the Bucks will have appeared in a Finals competition since 1974, and they have a lot of top talent to make a serious run on the title.

The Bucks dominated the game almost from the start. They had to play, once again, without Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that was apparently not a problem. Khris Middleton put up 32 points, with Jrue Holiday adding 27. The Greek Freak hasn’t played since Game 4; however, Milwaukee was still able to control the series without him on the court.

The Hawks Never Saw It Coming

Atlanta was behind the entire game, with just one chance late to try to take the lead in the second half. A three-point attempt by Kevin Huerter failed, though, and the Bucks turned on the afterburners from there. They went on a 13-0 run to extend their lead to 60-45, and it was now apparent that the Hawks were in a very difficult spot. Heading into the final quarter, the Bucks were up 91-72 and the Hawks knew that they were most likely on their way home.

The Bucks have only ever won one NBA Finals, dating back to 1971. They tried a second time in 1974, but failed, and haven’t been able to make it back since. This could be their year to shine, but they will have to get passed a strong and refreshed Phoenix Suns team to get there.

NBA Finals Set to Get Going

The NBA Finals showdown is now set and this is going to be a battle of two teams with a lot to lose. While the Bucks haven’t won the championship since 1971, the Suns have never won the title after 53 years on the courts. Chris Paul, despite 16 years in the league, has yet to play in an NBA Finals game, one of only a very small handful of accomplishments he hasn’t achieved.

There’s no clear winner heading into the series. Both the Suns and the Bucks are getting a lot of support from hoops experts everywhere. However, one thing almost all of them agree on is that this is not going to be a quick series. Collectively, pro basketball analysts put this as a series of at least six games, with a couple expecting it to go all the way to seven. One of the key differences will be whether Antetokounmpo is able to return and play ball for the Bucks, which will give them a significant advantage against the Suns. While it’s too soon to call how things will play out, basketball fans and sports gamblers have a lot to look forward to starting tomorrow night.