LAS VEGAS — The Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious in the NBA Cup, showcasing their prowess with a decisive 97-81 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The standout performer was tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who contributed an impressive 26 points, along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists. Damian Lillard also made a significant impact, scoring 23 points, while the Bucks demonstrated their shooting skills by sinking 17 three-pointers.
Despite the win being a tournament title and not contributing to their regular season record, the Bucks are on an upward trajectory after a rocky start to the season with a 2-8 record. Since then, they’ve turned things around, winning 13 of their last 16 games.
Lillard praised his teammates, saying, “Everybody did their job. We defended. We played well from the start of the game all the way through the finish. I think it just showed what we’ve been building.” The Bucks’ strong second-half performance, which included a 19-5 run, cemented their control of the game.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 21 points, but the team struggled offensively, shooting just 34% and managing only 31 points in the second half. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We didn’t score nearly enough points, especially in the second half, to give ourselves a chance to win.”
The game also had financial incentives, with the Bucks players earning approximately $514,971 each, while the Thunder players received about $205,988 each. This victory not only adds to the Bucks’ accolades but serves as a confidence booster as they move forward in the season.
Coach Doc Rivers expressed his pride in the team’s improvement, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Antetokounmpo echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while they had achieved a significant milestone, the quest for a greater title continues: “Job’s not done.”
As the Bucks gear up for future competitions, including upcoming matches against Cleveland and Washington, there is a positive sense of momentum building within the team. Their ability to adapt and improve under pressure positions them as a formidable contender as the season progresses.
Key Takeaway: The Bucks’ determination and resilience are shining through, presenting an optimistic outlook as they strive for greater heights in the NBA season.