Bucks Rebound to Claim NBA Cup Championship with Dominant Win Over Thunder
The Milwaukee Bucks completed an impressive turnaround to claim the inaugural NBA Cup championship, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in Las Vegas. After starting the season 1-6, the Bucks have since gone 14-11 and reasserted themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference. Their flawless 7-0 run in the NBA Cup highlighted the team's resurgence, with Tuesday’s victory providing a morale boost, even if it didn’t count toward the regular-season standings.
The Bucks relied on standout performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, along with stifling defense, to secure the win. Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Lillard contributed 23 points, including five 3-pointers. Their efforts were complemented by strong team defense that held the Thunder to just 33.7% shooting from the field and a dismal 15.6% from beyond the arc.
Oklahoma City initially made it competitive, holding a narrow 28-27 lead after the first quarter and trailing by only one point at halftime, 51-50. However, the Bucks opened the third quarter with consecutive 3-pointers from Taurean Prince and Lillard, seizing momentum with a dominant 26-14 run in the period. The Thunder couldn’t recover as Milwaukee’s shooters continued to capitalize while Antetokounmpo exploited mismatches in the post.
By the fourth quarter, the Bucks had full control, and their fans in Las Vegas celebrated as the team cemented its victory. The win secured each Bucks player a $515,000 bonus, while Thunder players earned $216,000 as runners-up. Despite the financial reward, the Thunder’s young roster will likely feel the sting of this loss as they aim to establish themselves as contenders in the league.
Milwaukee’s 3-point shooting proved pivotal, with the team hitting 42.5% from deep (17-of-40). They also dominated the boards, securing a 52-43 rebounding advantage, and shared the ball effectively, assisting on 25 of their 34 made field goals. Their performance underlined the depth and cohesion of the roster, signaling renewed championship ambitions.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 21 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 8-of-24 from the field and 2-of-9 from deep. Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams chipped in with solid contributions, but the Thunder’s overall shooting woes defined the game. Hartenstein was the only Thunder player to shoot 50% or better, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bucks’ dominance on both ends of the court showcased their potential to be a serious playoff contender. Their physical play, defensive intensity, and efficient shooting provided a sharp contrast to their slow start to the season. For Milwaukee, this victory represents more than just a trophy—it’s a statement that their championship aspirations remain very much alive.
