Bucks Capture NBA Cup with Convincing Win Over Thunder
LAS VEGAS — The Milwaukee Bucks triumphed in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 after a dominant second half. Led by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Bucks secured their place as in-season tournament champions, following in the footsteps of the Los Angeles Lakers from the previous year.
The Bucks displayed exceptional shooting, nailing 17 three-pointers and limiting the Thunder’s high-powered offense to just 31 points in the second half. Damian Lillard contributed significantly to the victory with 23 points.
Describing the Bucks’ performance, Antetokounmpo remarked, “That’s who we are,” referencing the team’s ability to build on their one-point halftime lead and extend it to as much as 20 in the later stages of the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points but struggled offensively, making only eight of his 24 attempts from the field, including two of nine from beyond the arc.
This victory served as redemption for the Bucks, who fell to the Indiana Pacers in the previous year’s Cup semifinals. They were the only team from last year’s final four to return, defeating the Orlando Magic in the quarter-finals and the Atlanta Hawks in the semis to reach the championship game in Las Vegas.
Following a rocky start to the season with a 2-8 record, the Bucks have turned their fortunes around, winning 13 of their last 16 games. Antetokounmpo viewed the Cup victory as a stepping stone. “It’s great for our team,” he stated, noting the importance of competing and playing cohesive basketball.
“We set the tone in the third quarter and played great team basketball,” he added, after the Bucks limited the Thunder to just 14 points during that quarter—their lowest total in any period this season. “Most importantly, we are competing defensively. That’s who we are. That’s who we’re going to continue to be — and the job’s not done.”
Unlike previous Cup games, the final does not affect regular-season records, and player statistics from this match do not contribute to their career totals. However, the victory does come with a financial incentive, with each Bucks player set to earn over $514,971 — a notable amount for younger and less-established players on the roster. In contrast, runners-up Thunder players will receive $205,988 each, but will return to Oklahoma City disappointed after one of their least effective shooting performances of the season.
Despite a spirited first quarter that saw the Thunder lead 28-27, they struggled offensively throughout the game, finishing with just 33.7 percent shooting from the field and only five of their 32 three-point attempts (15.6 percent). A tense second quarter included nine lead changes, with the Bucks holding a narrow 51-50 advantage at halftime. However, Milwaukee quickly seized control of the match with back-to-back three-pointers to start the third quarter, propelling them to victory.
Join our Channel...