LAS VEGAS—In a display of impressive teamwork and skill, the Milwaukee Bucks captured the NBA Cup by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the tournament’s final. The Bucks showcased their prowess with an incredible 17 three-pointers, led by Tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who notched a stellar performance with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Damian Lillard also contributed with 23 points.
Lillard praised the team’s effort, stating, “Everybody did their job. We defended. We played well from the start of the game all the way through the finish.” The Bucks surged ahead during the game, executing a critical 19-5 run in the second half, solidifying their lead and demonstrating the strength of their gameplay.
Despite their loss, the Thunder had their moments, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 21 points and Isaiah Hartenstein contributing a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Nonetheless, their shooting woes were evident as the team managed only 34% from the field and struggled with 15 points compared to the Bucks’ 51 from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, Bucks coach Doc Rivers underscored the importance of the victory amidst a challenging start to the season, noting, “No one here doubted what we can be and who we can be.” The triumph in Vegas marks the Bucks’ 13th win in their last 16 games, suggesting a significant turnaround for the team.
While the championship does not officially count toward the regular season record, it adds a layer of achievement for the Bucks, especially as they continue to build momentum. Antetokounmpo emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, stating, “Job’s not done,” hinting at their aspirations for further success in the upcoming months.
For the Thunder, head coach Mark Daigneault reflected on the game, acknowledging his team’s struggles while also expressing optimism for future learning opportunities.
This victory not only represents a milestone for the Bucks but also showcases their potential as a formidable team moving forward. The NBA landscape remains vibrant and competitive, setting the stage for thrilling matchups as both teams look to strengthen their regular-season records in the days to come.
As the Bucks and Thunder prepare for their next games, both teams seem poised to make significant impacts this season, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the NBA.