The Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious in the NBA Cup, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in a decisive championship game held in Las Vegas. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who posted a remarkable triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Bucks made a strong statement with their performance. Damian Lillard also contributed significantly, adding 23 points to the scoreboard, while the team as a whole made an impressive 17 three-pointers.
Lillard praised the teamwork exhibited throughout the game, stating, “Everybody did their job. We defended. We played well from the start of the game all the way through the finish.” This victory marks the Bucks as only the second team, following the Los Angeles Lakers, to claim the NBA Cup since its inception two years ago. A pivotal 19-5 run during the second half allowed Milwaukee to extend their lead and control the game effectively.
Antetokounmpo expressed pride in his team’s progress, noting, “We’re getting better… I’m so proud of this group.” Despite the loss, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recognized the team’s struggles, stating, “We didn’t shoot it well… that’s never an excuse.” The Thunder saw a dip in performance, particularly in the second half, scoring just 31 points and falling short of their usual offensive prowess.
While this victory provides the Bucks with additional financial bonuses—over $514,000 for each player—the game will not contribute to the regular season records. This championship triumph comes as a significant morale boost for the Bucks, who have shown resilience after a rocky start to the season, marking their 13th win in the last 16 games despite an earlier 2-8 record.
Coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the team’s determination to improve, stating, “This is the byproduct of a team sticking together. But we still have work to do.” Antetokounmpo echoed this sentiment, reminding everyone that their eyes are set on the larger goal of the NBA championship in June: “Job’s not done.”
The Bucks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday and will host the Washington Wizards on Saturday, while the Thunder are set to visit the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat in their upcoming games.
This triumph not only adds to the Bucks’ accolades but also fosters a sense of hope and determination moving forward. As they continue to work together, fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead filled with potential and resilience.