In Las Vegas, the Milwaukee Bucks emerged as champions of the NBA Cup, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 97-81. The Bucks’ dynamic duo, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, led the charge, contributing 26 points and 23 points, respectively. Their impressive shooting from beyond the arc—hitting 17 three-pointers—was a significant factor in their victory.
Bobby Portis and Gary Trent Jr. also made crucial contributions for Milwaukee, each scoring 13 points. The Bucks showcased their defensive prowess, outscoring the Thunder 51-15 from the three-point line, and held their opponents to just 31 points in the second half.
Despite the loss, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams had notable performances, scoring 21 and 18 points, respectively. However, the Thunder struggled offensively, unable to match their usual scoring output throughout the game.
This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Bucks, who had faced challenges at the beginning of the season, now winning 13 of their last 16 games. Coach Doc Rivers expressed pride in the team’s resilience and mentioned that this victory is a stepping stone towards achieving their larger goal for the season.
While the game was part of the NBA Cup tournament and will not officially count in regular-season statistics, the Bucks celebrated this moment as a testament to their growth as a team. Both Antetokounmpo and Rivers emphasized the hard work ahead, focusing on the bigger picture of pursuing further titles in the future.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will play the Cleveland Cavaliers while the Thunder face off against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
This victory not only adds pride to the Bucks’ roster but also highlights their ability to adapt and triumph, as they continue to build momentum for the upcoming regular season and beyond.