Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Cup, securing a 97-81 victory in Las Vegas. The Bucks, led by Antetokounmpo’s incredible triple-double, claimed their first in-season tournament title, following the Los Angeles Lakers’ triumph in the inaugural edition last year.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, showcased his all-around brilliance with 26 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and three blocks. His efforts, combined with Damian Lillard’s 23 points, ensured the Bucks remained undefeated in the tournament. “The last 15 games we’ve competed, and we’ve played great team basketball,” Antetokounmpo said after being named the tournament’s MVP.
The Bucks’ defense was the cornerstone of their victory, holding the Thunder to just 31 points in the second half. Milwaukee transformed a narrow one-point halftime lead into a commanding 20-point advantage in the third quarter, shutting down Oklahoma City’s offense. “That’s who we are,” Antetokounmpo stated, emphasizing the team’s defensive identity.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 21 points but struggled against the Bucks’ defense, making just 8 of 24 shots from the field and 2 of 9 from beyond the arc.
Milwaukee’s journey to the Cup marked a remarkable turnaround. After a sluggish 2-8 start to the season, the Bucks have now won 13 of their last 16 games. Their road to the title included victories over the Orlando Magic in the quarterfinals and the Atlanta Hawks in the semifinals, showcasing their resurgence.
Antetokounmpo a.k.a Greek Freak, who previously led the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, views this success as a stepping stone for the team. “It’s great for our team,” he said. “We set the tone coming out of halftime and played great team basketball. I’m so proud of this group.”
