Giannis Antetokounmpo was at his dominant best, delivering a stunning triple-double as the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in this season’s NBA Cup final.
The Bucks became the second team to win the mid-season tournament, which was introduced last year, in a captivating final held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Antetokounmpo’s impressive stat line of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists earned him the title of the NBA Cup’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
NBA Cup MVPs: an exclusive club 🏆🤝 pic.twitter.com/4sGsD54c5L
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 18, 2024
The Greek-Nigerian forward’s all-around excellence was pivotal in securing the Bucks’ victory, as they powered through the Thunder to claim the inaugural tournament title.
Supporting Antetokounmpo was Damian Lillard, who contributed 23 points to the win. The Thunder, meanwhile, were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who managed 21 points but struggled with his shooting, finishing just 8-for-24 from the field. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s efforts, the Thunder struggled to match the Bucks’ intensity, particularly on defense.
The moment the Bucks became the 2024 NBA Cup champions 🏆👏 pic.twitter.com/7h3n0q9JXA
— ESPN (@espn) December 18, 2024
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with the Bucks holding a narrow 51-50 lead at the break. However, the momentum shifted in the third quarter, where Milwaukee outscored Oklahoma City 26-14, extending their lead to 77-64 heading into the final period.
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The Bucks’ dominance continued in the fourth quarter, as Brook Lopez drained back-to-back three-pointers to push the lead to 86-66, effectively sealing the game.
“We came in focused and locked in,” Antetokounmpo said after the win. “We played great basketball as a team, and we were able to accomplish our goal. I’m so proud of the group.”
The Bucks’ victory in the NBA Cup is a significant milestone for the team and adds another trophy to their growing collection. For Antetokounmpo, it was a performance that underscored his stature as one of the league’s most influential players.
