Greek-Nigerian basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a stunning triple-double performance as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 to claim this season’s NBA Cup title.
The NBA Cup, introduced last year as a mid-season tournament, culminates in Las Vegas with semi-finals and a final. The Bucks became the second team to win the prestigious trophy at the T-Mobile Arena, led by Antetokounmpo’s standout display of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, earning him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor.
Damian Lillard provided crucial support with 23 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored for the Thunder with 21 points but struggled with his shooting, managing just 8-of-24 from the field. Despite their defeat, the youthful Thunder, led by Jalen Williams with 18 points, remain leaders of the Western Conference with a 20-5 record.
Speaking after the game, Antetokounmpo praised his team’s focus and determination:
"We came in, we were focused, played great basketball, and we were able to win. We had this goal as a team, and we accomplished it."
The Bucks’ victory marks a remarkable turnaround after a tough start to the season, where they opened with a 2-8 record. Since then, the 2021 NBA champions have won 13 of their last 16 games, climbing to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 14-11 record.
Reflecting on their resurgence, Damian Lillard also added "I wouldn’t say it completely erases our poor start because we can’t get those games back. But we’ve shown that the team we started as is not the team we are now, and it was never who we truly were."
For the Thunder, the tournament provided valuable experience for their young squad. Jalen Williams shared his thoughts:
"It’s rare to have a feeling like this where it feels like the playoffs, and we’ll take it and learn from it. It’s a good opportunity, especially for a young team like ours, to simulate a playoff atmosphere in a different city. It’s definitely good practice."
The NBA Cup Continues to add an exciting dynamic to the league, showcasing high-level competition and fostering a playoff-like atmosphere mid-season.
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