Giannis Antetokounmpo named MVP after leading Milwaukee Bucks to NBA Cup title
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0), and Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) celebrate after their team's victory in the championship game of the NBA Cup basketball tournament against the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in Las Vegas.
The Milwaukee Bucks claimed the second annual NBA Cup with a dominant 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The win marked a historic moment for the Bucks, who played a complete team game to clinch the prestigious in-season tournament title.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the star of the show, delivering a triple-double performance that left no doubt about his dominance. The eight-time NBA All-Star finished the game with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with three blocks and two steals. His all-around display earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the tournament, adding to his already impressive list of accolades.
In his post-game comments, Antetokounmpo reflected on the team’s growth during the tournament. “No matter win or lose, we know we were going to leave Vegas a better team,” said the two-time NBA MVP. “I’m so proud of this group. We came out in the third quarter, set the tone, played great team basketball, moved the ball, and made shots. Most importantly, we competed defensively.”
The Bucks made their statement in the second half after entering the third quarter with only a one-point lead, 51-50. They outscored the Thunder 26-14 in the third period, pulling away decisively. Their defense, combined with a balanced offense, proved too much for Oklahoma City to handle.
Alongside Antetokounmpo, the Bucks had strong contributions from guard Damian Lillard, who finished the game with 23 points. Lillard’s presence was crucial in both scoring and playmaking, as he helped maintain the Bucks’ momentum throughout the game. “It’s something that we wanted to win,” Lillard said after the victory. “For us to be back again and playing against a younger, hungry team that’s number one in the West, they defend well and do everything well, it felt great to get the win as a group.”
The Bucks had a disappointing exit in last season’s NBA Cup, losing in the semifinals to the Indiana Pacers, but this year they showed no signs of letting another opportunity slip away. They completed an undefeated run through the tournament, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the league.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who entered the game as the third-leading scorer in the NBA, struggled to find his rhythm. He finished with 21 points on 8-of-24 shooting, a far cry from the efficient performances he’s known for. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s efforts, Oklahoma City couldn’t get anything going offensively, and the Bucks took full advantage.
The Bucks’ win not only earned them the NBA Cup but also a financial reward. Each member of the Bucks received $514,971, a substantial prize for their tournament success. The Thunder, as runners-up, earned $205,988 per player, but their frustration was clear after coming up short in such a high-profile contest.
This season’s NBA Cup provided another glimpse into the league’s new in-season tournament format, which aims to provide added excitement and stakes to the regular season. The Bucks’ victory also helped elevate their position as a team to watch this year, with both Antetokounmpo and Lillard showcasing their star power.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will undoubtedly take lessons from their loss and continue to build on the momentum that has seen them rise to the top of the Western Conference. However, it was clear that they still have work to do, especially in their shooting consistency, as they were overwhelmed by the Bucks’ well-rounded effort.
The Bucks, on the other hand, have a lot to be proud of as they head into the rest of the season. Their performance in Las Vegas showed that they are a well-oiled machine, capable of thriving in high-pressure moments. With the likes of Antetokounmpo and Lillard leading the charge, Milwaukee looks like a serious contender for the NBA championship this year.
As for the NBA Cup, it is quickly becoming one of the most exciting parts of the league’s schedule, and this year’s final showed just how competitive and intense the tournament can be. Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged as the first-ever NBA Cup champions, with LeBron James earning the MVP honors. This year, the Bucks proved their mettle and made their mark in the tournament’s young history.
Ultimately, the Bucks’ commanding victory over the Thunder served as a testament to their strength as a team, with both star players and supporting contributors playing vital roles in securing the title. As the NBA season progresses, the Bucks will certainly be a team to watch.
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