Looking back at the 2021 NBA Finals, I still get chills remembering how the Milwaukee Bucks clawed their way back from a 0-2 deficit against the Phoenix Suns. That series wasn’t just about talent—it was about adjustments, resilience, and those unforgettable moments that decide championships. As someone who’s followed the NBA for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a Finals where coaching decisions and role-player contributions mattered so much. One quote that stuck with me—though from a different context—perfectly captures the strategic mindset needed in such high-stakes games: “At least ngayon, mauuna ako sa pagpilihan. Mapipili ko yung kailangan talaga. Kailangan na lang naman namin, sa ngayon, isang outside at isang middle siguro.” In basketball terms, that’s about picking your battles and filling the gaps, something Coach Budenholzer and his squad executed brilliantly.
Game 5 stands out in my memory as the turning point. With the series tied 2-2, the Bucks were on the road in Phoenix, facing a hostile crowd and the ever-dangerous Devin Booker, who dropped 40 points that night. But Milwaukee’s response was nothing short of legendary. Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing through a knee injury that many thought would sideline him, put up 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Yet, it wasn’t just the stats—it was his leadership. I remember thinking, “This is why he’s a two-time MVP.” Then there was Jrue Holiday. His defense on Chris Paul in the fourth quarter, stripping the ball not once but twice in critical possessions, shifted the momentum entirely. Statistically, Holiday averaged 16.7 points and 9.3 assists in the series, but numbers don’t do justice to his clutch plays. That’s the “outside” presence the team needed, just like the quote hinted—someone to control the perimeter and make smart choices.
Another key moment was the emergence of Bobby Portis in Game 6. With Fiserv Forum roaring, Portis came off the bench and delivered 16 points on 70% shooting. He embodied the “middle” reinforcement—the interior energy and scoring that complemented Giannis’s dominance. I’ve always believed that Finals are won by role players stepping up, and Portis proved it. Meanwhile, the Suns, despite Chris Paul’s 26 points and 5 assists that game, seemed to falter under pressure. Their bench only contributed 18 points compared to Milwaukee’s 32, highlighting the depth disparity. From my perspective, Phoenix’s reliance on their starters backfired; they needed that extra piece, much like the strategic selection mentioned earlier. It’s a reminder that in the NBA, roster construction can make or break a championship run.
The Bucks’ comeback also hinged on defensive adjustments. After Game 2, they started switching more aggressively on pick-and-rolls, limiting Paul’s efficiency. Paul’s turnovers jumped from 2.0 per game in the first two matches to 4.3 in the last four. That’s a stat I keep coming back to—it shows how small tweaks can redefine a series. Offensively, Milwaukee’s ball movement improved drastically, with their assist numbers rising by nearly 15% in the closing games. As a fan, it was thrilling to watch, but as an analyst, it’s a masterclass in adaptability. In the end, the Bucks won 4-2, with Giannis scoring 50 points in the clincher—a performance for the ages. Reflecting on it all, I’m convinced this series will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for the lessons in resilience and strategic pivots. It’s why I love basketball: every possession tells a story.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
We encourage all employees to save for retirement through our 401(K) plan. Employees have the option to begin contributing to their accounts on their first day of employment and we offer an employer match of up to $1,500 per calendar year for all employees who enroll.
We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
We want to provide employees and families with health insurance offerings to support them getting the care they need. Our health, dental, and vision plans are desiged to allow employees the opportunity to choose options that work best for themselves and their families.
We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
