I decided to compile all the Game Recap GIFs, just as a way to tell the story of what the journey felt like from my point of view. I also added a little commentary to help refresh memories as to why I picked the GIF.
SIDE NOTE: As I was going back to through the comments, I got a little case of the feels. What a ride. Still feels like a dream.
So, without further ado, here is the Complete Playoff Run in GIF Form!
ROUND 1 - Bucks vs. Heat
Game 1: Bucks 109, Heat 107 (OT) (In three parts)
This was before we obviously knew if we'd get out of the first round, never mind win a championship. Huge pressure. Khris hits the clutch jumper, Jrue smothers Butler's last attempt. Ball game.
Game 2: Bucks 132, Heat 98
This was a tribute to analytics. The math from the previous game indicated that we just needed to play our average game, and we'd be favored. Boy, were we ever.
Game 3: Bucks 113, Heat 84
The Heat were back home, hoping for a change of fortune along Miami Beach. Hurricane Buck had other plans.
Game 4: Bucks 120, Heat 103
I love this one so much.
ROUND 2 - Bucks versus Nets
Game 1: Nets 115, Bucks 107
The Bucks somehow shot 6-30 from 3 (20%), and 11-19 FTs. Giannis had the best three-point night, going 2-5. Just wow.
Game 2: Nets 125, Bucks 86
Outside of the Giannis injury, this was the lowest point of the playoffs for me.
Game 3: Bucks 86, Nets 83
Bucks were CRUISING, up 19 after the 1st! Hahahaha! Then....not so much. Up three at half, the season seemed on the brink the rest of the way. Thankfully, we had the last laugh.
Game 4: Bucks 107, Nets 96
With Harden still injured, Irving gets his ankle slaughtered. Bucks tie the series. We'll call it a draw.
Game 5: Nets 114, Bucks 108
Up 16 at halftime, and then......
Game 6: Bucks 104, Nets 89
Stayin' alive.
Game 7: Bucks 115-111 (OT)
We somehow won. And I feel like I played every minute. I'm a perfect mix of elated, relieved, and exhausted.
CONFERENCE FINALS: Bucks versus Hawks
Game 1: Hawks 116, Bucks 113
After a dramatic series win, we sleep-walked for four quarters against a substandard team, and never woke up. Trae Young embarrasses us with a shimmy. Middleton played like garbage.
Game 2: Bucks 125, Hawks 91
Bucks wake up in a big way, despite Middleton's continued slump. Shimmy back at him, Giannis.
Game 3: Bucks 113, Hawks 102
Middleton regains his shooting stroke, silencing his critics for at least one night.
Game 4: Hawks 110, Bucks 88
The game was lost in embarrassing fashion. But we'll remember this one because of a certain knee going backward. Our championship hopes for this year (and next?) were crumbling before our eyes.
Game 5: Bucks 123, Hawks 112
After hearing Giannis will be "okay" going forward, Bucks rally for their fallen comrade.
Game 6: Bucks 118, Hawks 107
Brandon Jennings' prophecy was fulfilled, or so we thought at the time. On to the Finals...but with what form of Giannis?
FINALS - Bucks versus Suns
Game 1: Suns 118, Bucks 105
Giannis somehow plays, and we still get spanked. Are we outmatched? Is this the beginning of the end? Fire Bud?!?!
Game 2: Suns 118, Bucks 108
Seriously. This game seemed to answer those previous questions. I struggle to find a GIF to express my grief, sooooo....
Game 3: Bucks 120, Suns 100
Hahahaha! You were worried? I wasn't worried! And there's no way to look back on Brewhoop to prove me wrong!!!
Game 4: Bucks 109, Suns 103
We're starting to see the Suns setting before our very eyes. And it is glorious.
Game 5: Bucks 123, Suns 119
When Jrue stole the ball, we stole home court advantage. And I like that.
Game 6: Bucks 105, Suns 98
No need for explanation.