The Milwaukee Bucks clinched the 2024 NBA Cup title with a commanding 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling final held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This triumph marks a significant achievement for the Bucks, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the tournament.
Led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who delivered an impressive triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Bucks dominated the second half of the game. Antetokounmpo’s performance also included three blocks and two steals, earning him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
His ability to control the game was evident, especially as the Bucks expanded their lead from a narrow halftime advantage of 51-50 to a comfortable 19-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Damian Lillard also played a crucial role, contributing 23 points and helping the team connect on 17 three-pointers during the match.
The Bucks defense was particularly effective, limiting the Thunder to just 31 points in the second half and holding them to a mere 34% shooting overall.
The Bucks’ victory is especially noteworthy considering their rocky start to the season, where they began with a disappointing record of 2-8. However, this championship win caps off a remarkable turnaround, as they finished the NBA Cup tournament undefeated at 7-0.
The Bucks’ success serves as redemption after their semifinal exit in last year’s Cup against the Indiana Pacers.
Post-game, Antetokounmpo expressed pride in his team’s performance and emphasized their growth throughout the tournament. Regardless of the outcome, we knew we were going to emerge from Vegas as a stronger team, he stated.
Lillard echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of teamwork and execution that led to their success against a formidable Thunder squad.
For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring with 21 points but struggled with his shooting, making only eight of his 24 attempts. The Thunder’s inability to find their rhythm ultimately hindered their chances in this championship matchup.
With this victory, each Bucks player will receive approximately $514,971, while Thunder players will take home around $205,988 as runners-up.
The Milwaukee Bucks have solidified their status as serious contenders in the league, and this championship win serves as a stepping stone toward future successes as they look ahead to the regular season.
