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Against all odds due to their injured MVP, the Bucks managed to beat the Hawks. The last time they got a ticket for the finals was back in 1974 when they lost against the Boston Celtics. Check out what else was happening at that same time in the world.
What do The Godfather II, West Germany FIFA World Cup, and Jimmy Connors’ and Chris Evert’s first Wimbledon titles have in common? They all happened in 1974. That same year, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar contributed to reaching The Finals with the Milwaukee Bucks for the last time. But now, 47 years later, they’ve done it once again.
And the Bucks did so against all odds. After losing their MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, things were not looking very bright on the Bucks’ side. However, they managed to win the Eastern Conference Finals against Atlanta Hawks in a 6-game series. Antetokounmpo hyperextended knee didn’t seem to be something Milwaukee couldn’t handle. And Kris Middleton’s 3rd quarter of Game 6 was decisive.
“It’s because he’s been there every step of the way. Even when he’s been sitting on the bench, he’s been active, he’s been vocal, which is something I’ve seen him really grow in over the last three years. … He’s not just been vocal individually but he’s been vocal collectively to everybody before the games, during practice, plane rides, whatever it might be.” – Pat Connaughton on Antetokounmpo’s injury.
47 years had to pass by to see Milwaukee Bucks at The Finals since the last time they achieved it. Back then, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the team as MVP, beating the Chicago Bulls 115-99 in Game 4. The seven-time NBA center was in charge of 38 points, 24 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. His performance had been key for his team’s success. However, they didn’t have that same luck during The Finals, when they lost in game 7 against Boston Celtics.
As you may have already imagined, many things changed since we last saw Milwaukee Bucks reach The Finals. And by this, we don’t only mean Abdul-Jabbar’s not being part of the team’s roster anymore. Let’s go 47 years back in time then, and see what else was happening while this event took place. Parental Advisory: some of this content may not be offensive, yet may cause some people to feel older than they think they are. Don’t say we didn’t give you a heads up!
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After the hit its prequel had, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather II got to the theatres on December 20th, 1974. The second part of the famous trilogy made it to 6th place in the box office that same year. It added up to U$57.3 million in takings. One of Al Pacino’s biggest performances on the big screen, playing Michael Corleone, Vito’s son.
West Germany hosted the 1974 FIFA World Cup. After being second in the first group stage, they beat the Netherlands to get the title that decorated them as the best of the 16 participating national teams. The final match ended 2-1, with an early goal by Johan Neeskens for the Dutch side. Paul Breitner and Gerhard Müller sentenced the final score.
Jimmy Connors defeated Ken Rosewall 6-1, 6-1, 6-4 and Chris Evert won 6-0, 6-4 against Olga Morozova. It was a first-timer for both of them in Wimbledon titles. During that same year, Connors also won both the Australian Open and the US Open. For Evert, it was a good year as well. She won the French Open that year as well.
So, being correctly set in time we can now realize how far in time we are from Milwaukee Buck’s last appearance in The Finals. Will fate give a different twist to the result this time against Phoenix Suns? Share your thoughts with us. Also, remember to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to learn more about sports news, tips, and updates related to the English language. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
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