The highly anticipated Bucks vs Thunder clash ended with the Milwaukee Bucks clinching the NBA Cup title, showcasing a masterclass in 3-point shooting. Led by Tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81, proving their mettle on the big stage.
Bucks vs Thunder: Game Recap
Milwaukee’s success in the Bucks vs Thunder showdown was fueled by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Damian Lillard added 23 points, while Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. chipped in with 13 points each. The Bucks’ 17 3-pointers outshined the Thunder’s lackluster 3-point performance, as Oklahoma City only managed to score 15 points from beyond the arc.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points, followed by Jalen Williams with 18. However, the Thunder struggled offensively, shooting just 34% from the field and scoring only 31 points in the second half.
Key Moments in Bucks vs Thunder
Third-Quarter Turning Point: The Bucks surged ahead with a pivotal 19-5 run, turning a five-point lead into a commanding 19-point advantage.
Giannis’ Fist Pump Celebration: With 1:37 left, Antetokounmpo celebrated like it was the NBA Finals, cementing the significance of the victory.
Thunder’s Technical Fouls: Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort and coach Mark Daigneault picked up technical fouls in a chaotic third quarter, giving the Bucks a critical five-point possession.
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Bucks’ NBA Cup Journey
The Bucks are now an NBA-best 12-1 in NBA Cup games, including a perfect 7-0 this season. This victory makes them one of only two teams, alongside the Los Angeles Lakers, to win the NBA Cup since the tournament’s inception.
What’s Next for Bucks and Thunder?
The Bucks vs Thunder game showed Milwaukee’s resurgence after a slow start to the season. With 13 wins in their last 16 games, the Bucks are poised for a strong campaign. Meanwhile, the Thunder will need to regroup after a rare poor performance and focus on maintaining their regular-season momentum.
The Bucks vs Thunder rivalry delivered an unforgettable moment, and fans are eager to see what’s next for both teams.