LAS VEGAS — The Milwaukee Bucks found their winning formula in Las Vegas, and it revolved around one number: 3. On Tuesday night, the Bucks clinched the NBA Cup title with a commanding 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, fueled by their impressive three-point shooting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, crowned the tournament’s MVP, delivered a stellar performance with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. His all-around dominance set the tone for the Bucks, while Damian Lillard added 23 points to the effort. Milwaukee sank 17 three-pointers, outscoring Oklahoma City 51-15 from beyond the arc, a decisive factor in the game.
Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. chipped in with 13 points each for the Bucks, who join the Los Angeles Lakers as the only champions of the NBA’s two-year-old in-season tournament. A game-changing 19-5 run in the second half transformed a narrow five-point lead into a commanding 19-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, allowing the Bucks to cruise to victory.
“It’s great, it’s great for our team,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “We’re getting better. … We know we’re leaving Vegas as a better team. I’m so proud of this group. Man, I’m so proud of this group.”
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 21 points and Jalen Williams’ 18 points, struggled offensively. They were held to 34% shooting and managed just 31 points after halftime. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, but the team’s inability to match Milwaukee’s perimeter shooting proved costly.
A Special Victory
The Bucks’ triumph in the NBA Cup won’t impact their regular-season record, but the achievement carried significant weight for the team. Each Milwaukee player earned $514,971 in bonus money, compared to the $205,988 received by the Thunder players. The Bucks’ bench erupted with celebration in the final moments, and Antetokounmpo’s fist-pumps reflected the team’s sense of accomplishment.
While this title doesn’t carry the same prestige as the NBA Championship the Bucks secured in 2021, the team’s focus and effort in the tournament were evident. From the outset, Milwaukee clarified that winning the NBA Cup was a priority.
“We struggled coming out of the gates,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said, referencing the team’s early-season challenges. “No one here doubted what we can be and who we can be, and we just hung in there. We stuck together, and this is the byproduct of a team sticking together. But we still have work to do.”
Antetokounmpo echoed that sentiment, saying, “Job’s not done.”
Thunder’s Tough Night
Oklahoma City entered the game averaging at least 99 points per contest this season but struggled to find their rhythm against Milwaukee’s defense. The Thunder trailed by as many as 20 points, an unusual position for a team that had rarely faced such deficits this season. Lu Dort’s technical foul in the third quarter, followed by another on coach Mark Daigneault, marked a pivotal moment. Lillard capitalized with a five-point possession, extending Milwaukee’s lead and deflating Oklahoma City’s momentum.
The Thunder are now 20-1 this season when leading after three quarters, but their record drops to 0-5 when tied or trailing heading into the final period. Officially, this game will not count toward their season standings, leaving their record unaffected.
Key Stats and Moments
Milwaukee’s depth shone through despite the absence of guard Khris Middleton, who missed the game due to a non-COVID illness. The Bucks improved to an NBA-best 12-1 in NBA Cup games, including a perfect 7-0 this season. Their only in-season tournament loss came in last year’s semifinals against Indiana.
One defining moment came early in the third quarter when a scramble for a loose ball saw five players diving to the floor. The ensuing technical fouls on Dort and Daigneault allowed Lillard to turn the sequence into a momentum-swinging five-point play, highlighting Milwaukee’s composure and ability to capitalize on critical opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks’ focus now shifts back to the regular season. They will visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday before hosting the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Thunder have a challenging back-to-back ahead, visiting the Orlando Magic on Thursday and the Miami Heat on Friday.
Their confidence is riding high as the Bucks leave Las Vegas with the NBA Cup. Even without officially recognizing this victory, the team’s recent 13-3 surge underscores their potential to contend for more significant accolades this season. For Antetokounmpo and his teammates, the journey is far from over, but the NBA Cup stands as a testament to their growth and determination.