Thanks to untimely injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks never got the chance to go far in the playoffs this year. Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid knew that detail and even trolled the team for seemingly handing the title to the Boston Celtics after their easy path to the NBA Finals.
During the previous offseason, the Bucks made a significant decision by trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard, aiming to provide two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with a talented shot creator instead of a defensive-minded guard. However, the trade resulted in Holiday joining the Boston Celtics and ultimately helping them reach the NBA Finals.
The Bucks’ move to trade Holiday was met with mixed reactions from fans, as it appeared to compromise the team’s chemistry in exchange for a superstar player. With Boston’s success in reaching the Finals, fans have been taunting the Bucks for their choice to part ways with their former guard.
Similar to his partnership with Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Holiday has been instrumental in elevating the Celtics throughout this postseason. In 17 games, the former All-Star has contributed an average of 13.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
In contrast, Lillard’s tenure in Milwaukee has been overshadowed by an abrupt coaching change and untimely injuries. Unfortunately, his Achilles injury played a role in the Bucks’ early elimination in the first round against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. This outcome marked a disappointing end to Lillard’s first season with the team.
Philadelphia 76ers Jokingly Says Milwaukee Bucks Gave the NBA Title to the Boston Celtics
While Holiday and the Celtics are one win away from defeating Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks, Sixers big man Joel Embiid trolled the Bucks by saying they just handed Boston the championship this year. This can be seen in a post the Philadelphia star posted on his official X account.
“Did the bucks give them the championship?” Embiid tweeted.
It should be remembered that Milwaukee’s decision to trade Holiday away for Lillard led Boston to get him from the Portland Trail Blazers. This move has elevated the Celtics performance, making them talented enough to be one win away from becoming champions.
It remains to be seen whether Dallas can extend the series or not. In any case, Embiid does have a point as Milwaukee’s part in Boston’s playoff run cannot be denied.
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