In a thrilling showdown in Las Vegas, the Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious in the NBA Cup, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81. The team showcased an impressive performance, highlighted by standout player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Damian Lillard also made a significant contribution with 23 points, helping the Bucks connect on 17 three-pointers throughout the game.
While the matchup was celebrated, it is important to note that the outcome will not affect the regular season standings. The Bucks, after a rocky start to the season with a 2-8 record, have rebounded remarkably, winning 13 of their last 16 games. Lillard credited 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.”
Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. each scored 13 points, reinforcing the Bucks’ depth in scoring. Their strong second-half performance saw them expand a narrow lead into a commanding 19-point advantage early in the fourth quarter. Coach Doc Rivers praised the team’s resilience, saying, “No one here doubted what we can be and who we can be, and we just hung in there.”
On the other hand, the Thunder struggled to find their rhythm. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading his team with 21 points, Oklahoma City was held to just 31 points after halftime and was outscored significantly from beyond the arc, totaling only 15 points compared to Milwaukee’s 51. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the tough night offensively but noted the importance of learning from the experience.
While the Bucks celebrated their achievement, Antetokounmpo reminded everyone that their sights are set on bigger goals ahead, stating, “Job’s not done.” With this victory, they not only earned monetary bonuses—$514,971 each for the Bucks players compared to $205,988 for the Thunder—but also solidified their status as a formidable force in the league.
Moving forward, the Thunder will look to bounce back with upcoming games against the Magic and the Heat, while the Bucks aim to continue their winning streak against the Cavaliers and Wizards.
This victory not only serves as a confidence boost for the Bucks but also illustrates the progress the team has made this season. Their ability to compete and perform under pressure will be crucial as they transition back to valid regular season competition.
Overall, this tournament win signals a bright path ahead for the Bucks, as they continue to build chemistry and strengthen their performance heading into the rest of the season.