NBA
The Eventual 2021 NBA Champion Deserves a Bigger Asterisk Than in 2020
With many All-Star caliber players going down with injuries, the 2021 NBA Champion deserves a bigger asterisk than 2020 at this point
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The Atlanta Hawks were without Trae Young for Game 4, but he was not the only All-Star who missed time on Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a scary knee injury in the third quarter, sidelining him for the remainder of the game. The two biggest stars from either sideline weren’t available by the end of the game. Lou Williams stepped up big in the absence of Young, scoring a game-high 21 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 20 to tie up the series at two games a piece.
THE 2021 NBA CHAMPION DESERVES A BIGGER ASTERISK THAN 2020 AT THIS POINT
COLORS KEY | FULL HAWKS OUTLOOK
Many have questioned whether or not the 2020 NBA Champions deserved much praise given the abnormal circumstances in a bubble, and how both Finalists (Lakers and Heat) were bounced in the first round this year. However, it appears that the 2021 Champs should be discussed in a similar manner. All-Stars and key players have been suffering from injuries left and right, and it seems like teams are hardly playing at full strength anymore after an abnormally shortened offseason that’s had lasting effects.
Players like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and many more have all picked up injuries this postseason, likely costing their squads important games this postseason. Games have been coming thick and fast to make up for lost time due to COVID, and it has clearly taken a toll on the players. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it’s fair to ask how deserving the eventual 2021 Champions will be compared to normal years where the best have to beat the best to be considered the best.
HOW ON EARTH DID CAPELA HIT THIS SHOT? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/iqFmN3a9EM
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 30, 2021
Lou Williams in his 1st career #NBAPlayoffs start:
🔥 21 PTS
🔥 8 AST
🔥 7-9 FGM@ATLHawks even the #NBAECF presented by AT&T at 2-2.. Game 5 is Thursday at 8:30pm/et on TNT. pic.twitter.com/07V3LAN74f— NBA (@NBA) June 30, 2021
Bogdan Bogdanovic (20 PTS) puts up an #NBAPlayoffs career high 6 threes and 4 steals in the @ATLHawks Game 4 win! #ThatsGame
Game 5 – Thursday, 8:30 PM ET, TNT pic.twitter.com/06zywewwCF
— NBA (@NBA) June 30, 2021
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