Eighteen years is a long time. In fact, it’s been so long since the Milwaukee Bucks found themselves in a game with these kind of stakes that there’s an unquestioned surreality to the whole situation.
After years of having to look back to 2001, or the Don Nelson-coached teams of the 1980s, or the 1974 Finals, or even the ultimate success of 1971 for reminders of what success was like, this season has certainly breathed new life into the Bucks.
Still, there’s an element of having to pinch yourself when you realize that truly momentous Bucks history is finally being written in front of your eyes.