The Milwaukee Bucks, led by an electrifying performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 on Tuesday to win the second edition of the NBA Cup. The victory, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marked a triumphant turnaround for the Bucks after a rocky start to the season.
Giannis Leads the Charge
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was the star of the show, delivering a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also contributed defensively with two steals and three blocked shots. Antetokounmpo’s leadership was pivotal as the Bucks dominated the second half, outscoring the Thunder 46-31.
“That’s who we are,” Antetokounmpo said, reflecting on the team’s defensive effort.
Damian Lillard added 23 points, including clutch three-pointers that set the tone for the Bucks’ second-half surge.
A Second-Half Masterclass
The Bucks entered halftime with a narrow 51-50 lead after a first half that featured nine lead changes. However, they emerged from the break with renewed intensity. Back-to-back three-pointers by Taurean Prince and Damian Lillard at the start of the third quarter ignited a 20-point lead, effectively sealing the game.
Defensively, Milwaukee held Oklahoma City to just 14 points in the third quarter — the Thunder’s lowest single-quarter total of the season.
Thunder’s Struggles
Despite a strong start, the Western Conference-leading Thunder struggled offensively. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 21 points but shot just 8-of-24 from the field and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc. The team’s overall shooting woes — 33.7% from the field and a dismal 15.6% from three-point range — sealed their fate.
Bucks’ Journey to the Cup
The Bucks’ road to the NBA Cup was anything but smooth. After a disappointing 2-8 start to the season, Milwaukee turned things around dramatically, winning 13 of their last 16 games. Their success in the tournament included victories over the Orlando Magic in the quarterfinals and the Atlanta Hawks in the semifinals.
This triumph was particularly sweet for the Bucks, who were eliminated in last year’s semifinals by the Indiana Pacers.
“The last 15 games we’ve played, we’ve competed,” said Antetokounmpo, who was named MVP of the tournament. “We’ve played team basketball. I’m so proud of this group.”
Financial Incentives and Pride
While the NBA Cup final doesn’t count toward the regular-season record, players were incentivized by a significant financial reward. Each member of the winning Bucks team will receive $514,971, while Thunder players will pocket $205,988 each.
For Milwaukee, the victory also served as a morale booster, reaffirming their identity as a defensively dominant team.
What’s Next for the Bucks?
The Bucks’ NBA Cup win underscores their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level. As Antetokounmpo put it:
“The job’s not done.”
With momentum on their side, Milwaukee looks poised to carry their winning streak into the regular season, aiming for another deep playoff run and a potential return to championship glory.
Key Stats from the Game:
- Milwaukee Bucks:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 26 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists
- Damian Lillard: 23 points
- Three-pointers: 17 made
- Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 21 points
- Team shooting: 33.7% field goal, 15.6% three-point
Final Thoughts
The Bucks’ NBA Cup victory not only solidifies their place among the league’s elite but also highlights the importance of teamwork, defensive intensity, and resilience. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the charge, Milwaukee looks ready to tackle the rest of the season with confidence.
Can the Bucks carry this momentum into the playoffs? Only time will tell. For now, they celebrate as NBA Cup champions.