Milwaukee Bucks Clinch NBA Cup Title with Dominant Win Over Thunder

Other Sports Dec 18, 2024 0 231 Add to Reading List

By Wallace-Ejoh Ovie Kwame

18th December 2024

The Milwaukee Bucks struck gold in the NBA Cup, riding a stellar performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the tournament’s championship game on Tuesday night. Antetokounmpo delivered a commanding triple-double, scoring 26 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. Damian Lillard added 23 points, while the Bucks hit 17 three-pointers to secure their first NBA Cup trophy.

Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. each contributed 13 points as Milwaukee used a 19-5 run in the second half to stretch a five-point lead into a decisive 19-point advantage early in the fourth quarter. Despite a strong effort from Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 21 points, and Jalen Williams, who added 18, the Thunder struggled offensively, shooting just 34% from the field and being outscored 51-15 from beyond the arc.

“This is great for our team,” said Antetokounmpo. “We’re getting better and I’m so proud of this group.” The victory capped an impressive turnaround for the Bucks, who overcame a 2-8 start to win 13 of their last 16 games. While the title does not count toward regular-season standings, it reflects Milwaukee’s determination. “We stuck together, and this is the byproduct,” said coach Doc Rivers. Still, as Antetokounmpo reminded everyone, “Job’s not done.”