The Milwaukee Bucks claimed the NBA Cup with a 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas on Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the tournament MVP, led the charge with a triple-double of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Damian Lillard added 23 points, including five three-pointers, while Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. chipped in 13 points apiece. The Bucks knocked down 17 shots from beyond the arc, outscoring the Thunder 51-15 in three-point shooting.
Milwaukee broke the game open with a 19-5 run in the second half, turning a five-point advantage into a 19-point lead early in the fourth quarter. The Thunder, known for their high-scoring offense, were held to a season-low 81 points and struggled to shoot just 34% from the field.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced Oklahoma City with 21 points, while Jalen Williams added 18. Despite Isaiah Hartenstein’s double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, the Thunder faltered in the second half, scoring just 31 points after halftime.
This marks Milwaukee’s 13th win in its last 16 games, as the Bucks continue to climb the standings after a sluggish 2-8 start to the season. The NBA Cup victory, though not reflected in regular-season standings, highlights their recent dominance.
For the Bucks, the win was a testament to their depth and focus, achieved without Khris Middleton, who missed the game due to a non-COVID illness. Milwaukee’s NBA Cup record now stands at 12-1, including a perfect 7-0 this season.
Oklahoma Cityâs struggles in the final quarter persisted, as they fell to 0-5 when tied or trailing entering the fourth quarter. While their effort was highlighted by physical play, including multiple players diving for loose balls, their inability to capitalize on offensive opportunities proved costly.
The NBA Cup victory also came with financial rewards, with each Bucks player earning $514,971 in bonus money. Despite the loss, Thunder players received $205,988 each for their runner-up finish in the tournament.
Antetokounmpo celebrated the win with visible enthusiasm, pumping his fists as the Bucksâ bench emptied with under two minutes remaining. While the Bucks’ superstar has experienced championship glory before, winning the 2021 NBA title, he and his teammates had made it clear that the NBA Cup was a key priority.
Oklahoma City, missing key contributors like Chet Holmgren due to injury, struggled to overcome Milwaukeeâs defensive intensity. The Thunder also saw a rare off night from three-point range, shooting just 5-for-32 from deep.
As the NBA Cup champions, the Bucks join the Los Angeles Lakers as the only teams to win the two-year-old event. For Milwaukee, the victory is a sign of their ability to contend for the leagueâs ultimate prize, even as they continue to find their rhythm in the regular season.
