The Milwaukee Bucks claimed their second NBA Cup title on Tuesday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81. Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo shone brightly with a triple-double, scoring 26 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and distributing 10 assists. Damian Lillard contributed 23 points, and the team made an impressive 17 three-pointers throughout the game.
The victory was a culmination of dedicated teamwork. Lillard highlighted the Bucks’ strong defense and cohesive performance, saying, “Everybody did their job. We played well from the start of the game all the way through the finish.” Milwaukee’s significant 19-5 run in the second half solidified their lead, transforming a close game into a commanding victory.
Antetokounmpo expressed pride in his team’s progress, acknowledging their growth since the tournament began. “We’re getting better… I’m so proud of this group,” he said. The Bucks joined the Los Angeles Lakers as the only champions of this relatively new tournament format, demonstrating their ability to rise above early-season challenges.
On the other hand, the Thunder struggled offensively, with key players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams failing to find their rhythm. Despite a strong defense that limited the Bucks’ scoring in the paint, the team suffered from an off-night shooting, finishing with only 34% accuracy from the field.
The Bucks’ victory also came with a financial bonus, with each player receiving $514,971 while the Thunder players received $205,988. However, the game itself is considered separate from the regular season’s statistics.
Looking forward, the Bucks aim to leverage this momentum to improve their regular season standing after a rough start, having secured 13 wins in their last 16 games. Coach Doc Rivers emphasized the importance of staying focused, stating, “This is the byproduct of a team sticking together. But we still have work to do.” Antetokounmpo summed up the sentiment by noting, “Job’s not done,” signaling their ambition for future titles.
In the coming days, both teams will continue their regular season schedules with critical games approaching. The Bucks are set to play against Cleveland and host Washington, while the Thunder will visit Orlando and Miami.
This victory in Las Vegas not only reflects the Bucks’ competitive spirit but also showcases their determination to build on their success as they pursue further accomplishments this season.