Giannis Antetokounmpo Leads Milwaukee Bucks to NBA Cup Final Showdown Against Oklahoma City Thunder
The Milwaukee Bucks, fueled by an electrifying performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, punched their ticket to the NBA Cup final with a thrilling 110-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Antetokounmpo was unstoppable, delivering a game-high 32 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists, setting the stage for a clash with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
The Thunder also advanced after a commanding 111-96 win over the Houston Rockets, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32-point performance. Both teams will now battle for the prestigious title in the NBA’s in-season tournament finale.
Antetokounmpo’s All-Around Brilliance
Giannis Antetokounmpo, affectionately known as the “Greek Freak,” delivered a signature performance, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court. He shot 10-of-15 from the field and 12-of-18 from the free-throw line, adding four blocks and a steal to his stat line. His relentless aggression set the tone for Milwaukee’s victory.
“We got stops. That was the most important thing,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “They were feeling comfortable, getting to their spots, but we were able to disrupt their offense.”
The Bucks also benefited from Antetokounmpo’s leadership, as he rallied his teammates after last year’s near-miss in the inaugural tournament, where they fell short in the semi-finals. “Enjoy the game, take it a possession at a time, and win the game. That’s it,” he said of his message to the team. “If we compete, we’ll win the game.”
Teamwork and Tactical Execution Shine
While Antetokounmpo stole the spotlight, the Bucks’ success was a team effort. Damian Lillard added 25 points and kept the offense flowing with precision passing. “I didn’t force it because Giannis was getting downhill early,” Lillard explained. “I was moving the ball, they were giving me a lot of attention, and guys were getting open looks. I knew eventually I’d get opportunities, and they would go in.”
Brook Lopez contributed 16 points, while Khris Middleton emphasized the importance of their collective resilience. “This was a big game. We wanted to redeem ourselves for last year against this great Atlanta team,” Middleton said. “It was a back-and-forth game, but to get a win after a tough tournament and close it out the way we did was great.”
The Bucks’ performance highlighted a season turnaround. After a shaky 2-8 start, the team has gone 12-3, driven by a newfound emphasis on teamwork. “In the beginning of the season, we tried to do it by ourselves. It had a bad effect on the team,” Antetokounmpo admitted. “We figured out we have to compete as a team, move the ball as a team. We’ve changed our season around.”
Atlanta Hawks Put Up a Fight
The Atlanta Hawks were far from pushovers, with Trae Young delivering a masterful performance. Young scored 35 points, dished out 10 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds, keeping the Hawks in the game until the final minutes. His dynamic play and late-game heroics nearly propelled Atlanta to an upset.
Two highlight-reel dunks by Jalen Johnson late in the third quarter gave the Hawks an 83-82 lead heading into the fourth. However, Milwaukee’s defense tightened, and Antetokounmpo’s clutch scoring helped the Bucks pull away. A 7-1 run, capped by Giannis’ six points, gave Milwaukee a commanding 103-96 lead with just over three minutes remaining. Despite Young’s efforts, the Bucks sealed the win with timely baskets from Lopez and Lillard.
Thunder Dominate Rockets in Semi-Final
In the other semi-final, the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised past the Houston Rockets with a stellar display from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian guard posted 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and five steals, orchestrating the Thunder’s victory. “I just wanted to be aggressive through all the ups and downs, highs and lows, and it paid off,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Hopefully, we can do the same thing on Tuesday.”
The Thunder entered the contest as the Western Conference leaders and showcased their defensive grit. Houston’s defense held Oklahoma City to a season-low first-half total of 41 points, but the Thunder adjusted in the second half. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 12-point third quarter helped OKC regain momentum, and they carried a 75-69 lead into the fourth quarter.
“We stayed with our principles,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We knew we would be able to get enough shots and kick it. We focused on that the whole night.”
The Thunder’s balanced attack, featuring contributions from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, proved too much for Houston. Holmgren provided a strong interior presence, while Williams chipped in with key plays on both ends of the court.
NBA Cup Final: Bucks vs. Thunder
Tuesday’s NBA Cup final promises to be a battle of contrasting styles. The Bucks bring a combination of star power and veteran leadership, with Antetokounmpo and Lillard leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Thunder, led by the dynamic Gilgeous-Alexander, have emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young teams, relying on speed, defensive pressure, and efficient ball movement.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS SET
One game to decide who wins the NBA Cup!
The Bucks and Thunder will meet in the #EmiratesNBACup Championship on Tuesday (12/17) at 8:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/YHlH5sNyQ3
— NBA (@NBA) December 15, 2024
Both teams enter the final with momentum, and fans can expect a high-stakes showdown in Las Vegas. With the inaugural NBA Cup title on the line, this matchup has all the ingredients for an unforgettable game
