Bucks, Thunder set for NBA Cup final clash

Giannis and Gilgeous-Alexander lead their teams to a thrilling championship showdown.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder clinched decisive victories in their NBA Cup semi-final matchups on Saturday, setting up an electrifying final showdown in Las Vegas.

Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his MVP-calibre brilliance, leading the Bucks to a hard-fought 110-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Greek star posted a near triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks, dominating on both ends of the court.

“This game was about defence and execution,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “We stayed locked in and got the stops we needed.”

The Bucks relied on their trademark defensive intensity, holding Atlanta to just 23 points in the fourth quarter while scoring 31 themselves to secure the win. Damian Lillard provided crucial support with 25 points, and Khris Middleton added 18 points and seven rebounds.

For the Hawks, Trae Young put up a valiant effort with 35 points and 10 assists. Atlanta held a slim lead heading into the fourth quarter but struggled to contain Milwaukee's late surge.

“This loss stings, but we’ll take it and learn from it,” Young remarked. “We’ve made strides as a team, and we’ll keep growing.”

In the evening’s second semi-final, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their surprising run, defeating the Houston Rockets 111-96. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer, recording 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and five steals.

“Every possession matters in games like this,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We stuck to our principles, made the right plays, and came out on top.”

The Thunder’s balanced attack proved too much for Houston to handle. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 21 points, while Jalen Williams added 20. Oklahoma City’s offence came alive in the second half, shooting 58% from the field after a defensive battle in the first half.

For the Rockets, Amen Thompson led the charge with 19 points, but the team shot just 36.5% overall, struggling to find consistency. The Thunder also forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 26 points.

“Our defence was relentless tonight,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “This group has heart, and they fight every minute they’re out there.”

The Bucks and Thunder now prepare for Tuesday’s championship game at T-Mobile Arena, with both teams seeking their first-ever NBA Cup title.

Milwaukee, a perennial contender, aims to validate their status as one of the league’s elite teams, while Oklahoma City, a rising force in the Western Conference, looks to cap off their remarkable run.