The Milwaukee Bucks celebrated a significant victory in Las Vegas, winning the NBA Cup title by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81. Tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Damian Lillard added 23 points. The Bucks dominated beyond the arc, hitting 17 three-pointers, proving their offensive strength and solid defense throughout the game. This victory marks the Bucks’ second NBA Cup title, joining the Los Angeles Lakers as the only teams to win the two-year-old event.
Milwaukee’s performance was characterized by a balanced team effort. Alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard, Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. contributed 13 points each, helping extend the lead in the second half. A key moment came in the third quarter when the Bucks went on a 19-5 run, turning a five-point lead into a 19-point advantage. The Bucks held firm, with Antetokounmpo expressing his pride in the team’s development and the progress they’ve made during the tournament.
Oklahoma City’s Struggles
The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite strong individual performances, were unable to keep up with the Bucks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points, and Jalen Williams added 18, but the Thunder struggled offensively. They were outscored 51-15 from beyond the arc and shot just 34% from the field. Coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged that while they did some things well defensively, particularly in the paint, their offensive struggles ultimately cost them the game.
While the NBA Cup title was significant for both teams, it doesn’t count towards the regular season standings. The Bucks, who have been on an impressive run after a tough start to the season, won’t see the victory reflected in their official record. However, the team earned a $514,971 bonus each, compared to the Thunder’s $205,988, highlighting the financial incentive for success in the tournament. Despite the loss, the Thunder will move forward, learning from the defeat.
Antetokounmpo’s Leadership
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s leadership was evident as the Bucks celebrated the victory. He expressed his pride in the team, stating that while they had made great strides, there was still work to be done. This victory added to Antetokounmpo’s legacy, following his role in securing the 2021 NBA Championship for the Bucks. While this was a significant trophy, Antetokounmpo made it clear that the ultimate goal remains the NBA title in June, keeping the focus on the bigger picture.
The Bucks played without guard Khris Middleton due to illness but still managed to improve their NBA Cup record to 12-1, with a perfect 7-0 this season. For the Thunder, it was a rare setback, as they typically perform well when leading after three quarters, with a 20-1 record before the game. Oklahoma City will look to bounce back, with upcoming games against Orlando and Miami. Meanwhile, the Bucks will continue their season with games against Cleveland and Washington, keeping their eyes on both the regular season and future playoff aspirations.
