I still get chills thinking about that incredible 2021 NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. Having covered basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous championship series, but there was something uniquely compelling about how this particular showdown unfolded. The way Giannis Antetokounmpo elevated his game when it mattered most reminded me of those legendary playoff performances we rarely see anymore. What fascinates me most about championship basketball is how strategic roster construction directly impacts these high-stakes moments - it's exactly what Suns coach Monty Williams hinted at when discussing team needs, emphasizing how crucial it is to select the right pieces for specific roles.
Game five stands out in my memory as the definitive turning point. The Bucks were down 2-1 in the series and facing what felt like a must-win situation on Phoenix's home court. I remember watching Giannis block Deandre Ayton's potential game-tying dunk with just 1:14 remaining - what we now call the "Wall of Milwaukee" play. That wasn't just any defensive stop; it was arguably the most impactful defensive play in the franchise's 53-year history. The timing, the athleticism required, the sheer audacity to challenge what looked like an easy basket - it shifted the entire momentum of the series. Statistics show the Bucks' defensive rating improved by nearly 8 points per 100 possessions after that moment, though I'd argue the psychological impact was even more significant.
What many casual fans overlook is how Jrue Holiday's acquisition perfectly illustrates the strategic team building Williams referenced. Milwaukee's front office specifically targeted Holiday for his two-way capabilities, and his performance throughout the series validated that decision completely. I've always believed championship teams need that one player who can change the game on both ends, and Holiday demonstrated this perfectly with his 27-point performance in game five, plus that crucial steal from Devin Booker in the closing minutes of game four. The numbers back this up - Holiday averaged 16.7 points and 9.3 assists while shooting 42% from three-point range, but his defensive impact goes beyond traditional statistics.
The Suns' inability to secure that championship ultimately came down to what Williams had identified - missing that one additional piece to complement their core. Chris Paul, at 36 years old, delivered an incredible 32-point performance in game six, but the supporting cast couldn't provide consistent secondary scoring when Booker faced double teams. Phoenix shot just 28% from three-point range in their elimination game, highlighting the outside shooting inconsistency that plagued them throughout the series. Having analyzed championship teams for years, I'm convinced the 2021 Finals demonstrated how modern basketball requires at least three reliable scoring options to counter elite defensive schemes.
Looking back, Giannis's 50-point closeout performance in game six wasn't just statistically impressive - it was historically significant. He became only the seventh player in NBA history to score 50 points in a championship-clinching game, joining legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. What impressed me most was his efficiency - 16-of-25 from the field and an unbelievable 17-of-19 from the free-throw line. For a player often criticized for his shooting, that level of precision under maximum pressure speaks volumes about his mental toughness and development. The Bucks' championship validated their patient team-building approach, proving that sometimes the right pieces just need time to develop chemistry before reaching their ultimate potential.
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.
