The Milwaukee Bucks clinched the NBA Cup title with a commanding 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant triple-double. Antetokounmpo tallied 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists, solidifying his position as the heart of Milwaukee’s championship success.
The Bucks’ triumph makes them the second team to hoist the NBA Cup, following the Los Angeles Lakers’ inaugural win last season. Damian Lillard was instrumental alongside Antetokounmpo, scoring 23 points, including key buckets to widen Milwaukee’s lead.
Oklahoma City started strong, surging to a 16-9 lead early in the first quarter, prompting a Bucks timeout. Lillard responded decisively, scoring seven points in a 13-4 Milwaukee run to take the lead. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late 3-pointer, the Thunder ended the quarter narrowly ahead, 28-27.
The game remained tightly contested in the second quarter, with neither team gaining a significant edge. Milwaukee eked out a slim 51-50 halftime lead, thanks to Antetokounmpo’s 14 first-half points and Lillard’s 12. Isaiah Hartenstein was a bright spot for the Thunder, scoring 14 points on perfect shooting before halftime but also earning a technical foul after a scuffle with Andre Jackson Jr.
The Bucks seized control in the third quarter after back-to-back technical fouls on Luguentz Dort and Thunder coach Mike Daigneault. Lillard sank the ensuing free throws and followed up with a deep 3-pointer, giving Milwaukee an 11-point advantage. The Bucks carried a 77-64 lead into the final period and never looked back.
Antetokounmpo continued his dominance in the second half, anchoring Milwaukee’s defense and orchestrating their offense. The Bucks’ largest lead swelled to 20 points in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the win.
Key Performances
Bucks:
– Giannis Antetokounmpo: 26 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists.
– Damian Lillard: 23 points, including clutch shooting in pivotal moments.
Thunder:
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 21 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 8-for-24 from the field.
– Jalen Williams: 18 points on 8-of-20 shooting.
– Isaiah Hartenstein: 16 points and strong early performance before fading in the second half.
Team Stats
The Bucks shot 42 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from beyond the arc, showcasing their offensive depth. They also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Thunder 52-43. Conversely, Oklahoma City struggled from the field, shooting just 33.7 percent and a dismal 15.6 percent from 3-point range.
The win not only cements Milwaukee’s place in NBA Cup history but also shows the lethal partnership between Antetokounmpo and Lillard. For Oklahoma City, the loss highlighted their potential but also the need for more consistency in high-stakes games.
The Bucks’ victory adds another chapter to their legacy, and with performances like these, they remain strong contenders for the regular season and beyond.
