The Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious in the 2024 NBA Cup after a dominant performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 97-81. This win marks Milwaukee’s first championship in the tournament founded last season.
Despite a strong start from Oklahoma City in the first half, Milwaukee’s defense held firm and limited their opponents to just 31 points in the second half. Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental in the victory, recording a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Supporting Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard added 23 points, while Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. contributed 13 points each. With this win, Milwaukee ended the tournament undefeated, securing just over $500,000 in earnings for each player.
In contrast, Oklahoma City struggled with their shooting, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the team with 21 points but taking 24 shots. Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein also recorded double-digit points but on high shot attempts.
The victory also marks assistant coach Darvin Ham’s successful campaign, having avoided losses last year while coaching the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers were unable to defend their title this year, leading to Milwaukee claiming the championship.
Overall, the 2024 NBA Cup was a successful event, showcasing the talent of both teams. The Bucks can now raise a new banner in honor of their victory in the tournament.
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