The Milwaukee Bucks gained the 2024 NBA Cup on Tuesday, pulling away from the cold-shooting Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder for a 97-81 win within the event’s title sport in Las Vegas. The Bucks star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the best way, combining for 49 factors as Milwaukee capped off an ideal 7-0 run in NBA Cup play. Antetokounmpo, who had a triple-double within the championship sport (26 factors, 19 rebounds, 10 assists), was named the event’s MVP.
Bucks gamers earned the trophy and a profitable payday with the win. Milwaukee gamers will all obtain a bonus prize of $514,971 for profitable the title because the league upped the NBA Cup prize money in 2024.
Nevertheless it was the Thunder crew the Bucks beat, and the best way they beat them, that would find yourself that means much more to their final purpose of competing for an precise championship within the coming months.
Sure, the Thunder had been with out Chet Holmgren and that modifications so much on the rim, and no, the Thunder, regardless that they have not been practically as sharp from 3 as they had been final season, usually are not going to overlook 85% of their 3-pointers in lots of video games (OKC went simply 5 for 32 from 3-point vary on Tuesday and made only one triple within the first half).
None of that takes away from Milwaukee’s efficiency, which, after we look again upon this season, might very effectively find yourself being the night time the Bucks’ season actually kicked into excessive gear.
You may argue that has already occurred because the Bucks entered Tuesday night time having gained 12 of their final 15 video games. However have a look at the opponents. Of the 12 wins, solely three got here towards a crew that was over .500 on the time, and two of these got here with main caveats. A one-point squeaker over the Rockets got here courtesy of a game-winning possession the Bucks never should’ve been gifted in the first place, which the NBA admitted to in its Final Two-Minute Report.
The opposite good win on paper got here every week in the past towards a Magic, who had been with out Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, which mainly makes them a Huge Ten offense.
Within the Cup semifinal, Milwaukee defeated a Hawks crew that has been equally scorching, however that is not a measuring-stick opponent if we’re being trustworthy. Oklahoma Metropolis is, even with out Holmgren on the ground, particularly contemplating the Bucks had been with out Khris Middleton, who’s going to should issue closely into their half-court system if they are going to compete with the large boys come April and Could.
The Bucks gained this sport on the 3-point line, the place, as talked about, the Thunder had been ice chilly whereas Milwaukee made 17 of 40 makes an attempt (42%). That is been the theme for some time now. Over these final 15 video games, Milwaukee has made 41% of its 3-pointers, the second-best mark within the league. The Bucks have their flaws, however they’ve numerous guys who can shoot it, too, and that cures so much. Proper now, they’re scorching.
Will it proceed? The sheer variety of viable shooters suggests it can endure as a power, even when not at this scorching a clip. Damian Lillard, who completed with 23 factors and made 5 of his 10 3s, has regarded largely just like the participant the Bucks anticipated they had been getting once they primarily flipped protection for offense (by swapping Jrue Vacation). Antetokounmpo, in the meantime, might be having one of the best season of his profession, which is definitely saying one thing for a two-time MVP.
However one thing like this Cup run needed to occur to stamp some validation on what the Bucks have been doing for the final month. It does not imply it’s going to equate to something in the long term. The Lakers gained the Cup final season and bought swept within the first spherical of the playoffs. Momentum solely lasts so lengthy and is simply good for a lot.
However the Bucks had been a multitude to begin this season, and so they do not look something like that crew proper now. They’re previous, however the top-end expertise remains to be there, particularly on a given night time. When a crew has the expertise, good issues can at all times occur. Unhealthy instances can at all times flip round.
It does not imply it will probably’t flip once more and begin heading again south, and the Bucks nonetheless have to point out they’ll beat the great groups if the 3-point disparity is not so extraordinarily of their favor, however for now the ship is greater than steadied. It is really beginning to steam forward, propelled by Tuesday night time, when the Bucks recorded what was simply their greatest — and in hindsight might find yourself being their most necessary — win of the season.
