Thunder 97-81 Bucks: 2024 NBA Cup Final Roundup

 The Milwaukee Bucks have once again etched their name in basketball history by winning the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 Final against the Thunder. This triumph is a resounding success for the franchise, as it follows the Los Angeles Lakers, who emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of this prestigious competition.

The Bucks’ path to glory was paved by the exceptional performance of their star-studded lineup, led by the indomitable Giannis Antetokounmpo. With unwavering determination and skill, the Bucks overcame the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing a convincing 97-81 victory at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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Master Class by Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Greek Phenom put on an absolute clinic at the NBA Cup 2024 Finals, cementing his status as one of the game’s greats with a monster triple-double performance.

Antetokounmpo was simply unstoppable, scoring 26 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing out ten assists. His dominance was on full display as he controlled the game on both ends of the court, imposing his will on the overwhelmed Thunder.

Fittingly, Antetokounmpo was named Finals MVP, adding another award to his already illustrious career. This was a masterclass in playoff excellence from the Milwaukee superstar, who led his team to glory with a truly legendary performance.

Damian Lillard, meanwhile, was the Bucks’ second-leading scorer, contributing 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists to the championship effort. His offensive production complemented Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance, forming a formidable double-double. Lillard’s ability to create his shot and stretch the court with his three-point shooting kept the Thunder defense honest, allowing Antetokounmpo to operate more freely in the paint.

Thunder Could not Face the Bucks’ Gale

The Oklahoma City Thunder were completely outplayed in every facet of the game, and their poor shooting percentages proved to be a significant factor in their downfall.

They managed a miserable 33.7% shooting from the field and an even more depressing 16% from beyond the three-point arc. Their inability to knock down shots consistently hampered their offensive production and allowed the Bucks to take control of the game. Despite boasting talented offensive players, the Thunder’s shooting woes prevented them from keeping pace with Milwaukee’s relentless attack.

OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a night to forget in the finals against the Bucks. Despite scoring 21 points, his inefficiency from the field was evident. Gilgeous-Alexander struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 8 of his 24 shots from the field, a disappointing 33.3% shooting percentage.

While his scoring production was respectable, the inefficient shooting performance was a stark contrast to the dominance shown by the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. Gilgeous-Alexander, typically a reliable scorer for the Thunder, failed to provide the offensive spark his team needed to keep pace with Milwaukee’s relentless attack.

Grand Final – Summary

The game was tightly contested until halftime, with the Bucks clinging to a narrow 51-50 lead over the Thunder. Despite Oklahoma City’s woeful 17-1 shooting from the 3-point line in the first half, they managed to stay within striking distance.

However, the third quarter proved to be the turning point as the Bucks came out of the locker room with renewed intensity. They unleashed a blistering 13-3 run, taking control of the game and leaving the Thunder in their wake. Milwaukee’s defensive tenacity and offensive execution during this stretch were simply overwhelming.

By the end of the third quarter, the Bucks had established a commanding 77-64 lead, putting the Thunder in a deep hole. The once hotly contested affair had become a one-sided one, with Milwaukee’s championship pedigree shining through.

The game hung in the balance as the final quarter began, with the Bucks clinging to a 77-64 lead. However, any lingering doubts were quickly erased as Milwaukee unleashed a devastating 9-0 run, effectively sealing its championship win.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, already imposing his will on the game, stepped things up, scoring five quick points and grabbing a couple of crucial rebounds. His relentless drive to the basket opened up opportunities for his teammates, and they capitalized with precision.

By the time the dust settled, the Bucks had extended their lead to a commanding 86-64 advantage, leaving the Thunder deflated and the Bucks faithful in a frenzy. It was a statement, a proclamation that this Milwaukee team was not to be trifled with, and they were determined to etch their names in the annals of NBA history.