Everyone has a lucky number in Las Vegas. The Milwaukee Bucks ranked third.
And the NBA Cup was their prize.
Tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points to go with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 23 points and the Bucks made 17 3-pointers en route to a 97-81 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup title game on Tuesday. Yes. night.
Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. each had 13 points for the Bucks, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers as the tournament’s only champions in two years. Milwaukee turned a 19-5 second half lead into a 19-point game in the top of the fourth, and the Bucks were in control the rest of the game.
“It’s great, it’s good for our team,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’re getting better. … I know we’re going to leave Vegas as a better team. I’m so proud of this group. I’m so proud of this group.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points and Jalen Williams added 18 for the Thunder, who have scored at least 99 points in every game this season. But they sputtered in various ways on Tuesday, outscoring 51-15 from beyond the arc and shooting just 34 percent.
Isaiah Hartenstein had 16 points and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which was held to 31 points after halftime.
This game counts for tournament purposes only. Bucks players had about $300,000 in additional bonus money. They each earned $514,971, while Thunder players earned $205,988 each. However, wins, losses, and statistics from games do not count toward the regular season.
The Bucks, who fell to last place in the NBA after a 2-8 start, have been on a tear since then. This was their 13th win in their last 16 games, although it is not included in the official record.
It doesn’t matter: When the Bucks emptied their bench with 1:37 left, Antetokounmpo pumped his fist like it was a true championship moment.
He won bigger games. In the end, he and the Bucks won the 2021 NBA title. But they said from the beginning of this tournament that the NBA Cup was their top priority.
And they left no room for doubt in the end.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo hug after winning the NBA Cup. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“We struggled to get out the door,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “No one here doubted what we could be and who we could be. We just hung in there. We stuck together and this is the result of the team coming together. But we still have work to do. There is.”
Antetokounmpo was much more succinct. “The work is not done yet,” he said.
takeout
Bucks: Milwaukee played without guard Khris Middleton (non-COVID illness) and still improved to an NBA-best 12-1 in NBA Cup play, including a perfect 7-0 this season. The Bucks’ only tournament loss of the season was to Indiana in the semifinals last year.
Thunder: It was a rare night for an uphill performance in Oklahoma City. We fell behind by as much as 20 points. The Thunder have trailed by more than 14 points in only two of their 25 games so far in the regular season. They were down 30 points against Golden. week to San Antonio on the 21st.
important moment
With 9:12 left in the third quarter, more than five players were on the floor, and everyone was struggling to find the loose ball. Thunder forward Lu Dort took a technical, coach Mark Daigneault took another a few seconds later, and Lillard ended up nailing a 5-pointer. Two free throws and a 3-pointer followed for the technician.
Key Statistics
The Thunder have led 20-1 after three quarters this season. They are now 0-5 when tied or trailing going into the final quarter (although they will officially be 0-4 since this game doesn’t count).
next
The Thunder visit Orlando on Thursday and Miami on Friday. The Bucks visit Cleveland on Friday and Washington on Saturday.
Associated Press report.
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