Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 127-105 win over Cleveland Cavaliers

Coming full circle

While it was one thing to see the Bucks effortlessly roll the Cavs, the real treat of the afternoon was seeing Marques Johnson finally receive the overdue honor of having his iconic No. 8 jersey hang atop the rafters at Fiserv Forum.

Flanked by family, friends, fellow Bucks legends and current officials, Johnson took in all of the festivities, as well as the ovation and love from the Bucks faithful during the halftime interval.

As the ceremony wore on, Bucks players came out from the locker room and took in the experience themselves to pay respect to Johnson for his years of service with the franchise not only during his playing days, but for his current duties as the color analyst for Fox Sports Wisconsin.

The 63-year-old touched on his self-proclaimed basketball odyssey, the importance of his family, his connections with teammates, such as Junior Bridgeman and Sidney Moncrief, and his embracing of the city of Milwaukee, especially since returning to the franchise a few years ago. It certainly got dusty seeing Johnson, upon his No. 8 jersey banner being lifted atop of the arena, brought to tears before being embraced by his sons and family.

It was in that moment that after many years of patiently waiting, wondering if the honor would ever come, all of those questions and doubts had been lifted off of Johnson’s shoulders, finally letting him to soak in the magnitude of the moment and the closure it brings him as it relates to his relationship with the franchise that spans nearly five decades.

And all parties involved, the Bucks organization, Johnson and the city of Milwaukee, are better now for seeing someone who has played an integral part in making the franchise what it is today receive the rightful honor that helps complete Johnson’s Bucks legacy.

The Bucks will take on the Houston Rockets for a MVP battle royale Tuesday night at Fiserv Forum, which is set to tip off at 7 p.m. central time.