The Milwaukee Bucks are officially the kings of the inaugural NBA Cup! Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s phenomenal triple-double performance of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Bucks powered past the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 97-81 victory. Milwaukee not only claimed their first-ever NBA Cup title, but also etched their name in history with a flawless 7-0 record in the tournament.
And let’s not forget about Darvin Ham, the man with the Midas touch in midseason tournaments. The Bucks’ assistant coach achieved an impeccable 14-0 record over two seasons, making him the undisputed king of the NBA’s “In-Season Tournament” stage.
The Game Breakdown: Bucks Dominate, Thunder Run Out of Gas
The highly anticipated NBA Cup Final between the Bucks and Thunder tipped off with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) looking determined to spoil Milwaukee’s parade. Early on, SGA’s scoring touch and a sweet assist to Isaiah Hartenstein gave the Thunder an early 18-11 lead.
However, the Bucks responded like the championship-caliber team they are. Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez combined forces to flip the scoreboard, pushing Milwaukee to a narrow 22-20 lead. Not to be outdone, SGA and Hartenstein fought back to give the Thunder a slim 28-27 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Second and Third Quarters: Bucks Pull Away
The second quarter was a classic tug-of-war, as both teams traded baskets and momentum. But everything changed in the third quarter. Milwaukee shifted gears, led by their dynamic duo—Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
With the Bucks up by just a few points, Gary Trent Jr. nailed a clutch three-pointer with 52.1 seconds left in the quarter, capping off a devastating 26-14 run. The Bucks took control with a 77-64 lead heading into the final quarter, leaving Thunder fans biting their nails.
Fourth Quarter: Giannis Seals the Deal
The fourth quarter began with the Bucks firmly in the driver’s seat. Milwaukee’s relentless offense and stifling defense pushed their lead to a game-high 19 points at 88-69. While the Thunder made a valiant push to narrow the gap, the damage had already been done.
SGA did his best to rally his team, finishing with a hard-fought 21 points, but the Bucks’ defense, anchored by Lopez and Giannis, proved too much to overcome. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bucks celebrated their 16-point win and lifted the NBA Cup trophy high into the air.
Key Performances: Bucks Shine Bright
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: The “Greek Freak” was unstoppable, delivering a vintage triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Damian Lillard: Lillard added a smooth 23 points, providing much-needed offensive firepower alongside Giannis.
- Brook Lopez & Gary Trent Jr.: Both chipped in with 13 points, proving Milwaukee’s depth.
On the Thunder’s side:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): 21 points, showcasing why he’s the Thunder’s cornerstone.
- Jalen Williams: Contributed a solid 18 points.
- Isaiah Hartenstein: Added 16 points, battling hard in the paint.
Darvin Ham: The Midseason Mastermind
While Giannis and Lillard grabbed the spotlight, Darvin Ham quietly made history. After leading the Lakers to a perfect 7-0 run and the NBA In-Season Tournament title last year, Ham joined the Bucks this season and did it again—a pristine 7-0 record.
With an overall 14-0 record in midseason tournaments, Ham has earned the title of “the man who doesn’t lose when there’s a trophy on the line.” If Ham is on your bench, just go ahead and polish that silverware—you’re winning something.
Why This NBA Cup Win Matters for Milwaukee
For the Milwaukee Bucks, this victory is about more than just a trophy:
- Team Chemistry: Giannis and Lillard are developing into the two-headed monster fans dreamed of.
- Championship Mindset: Winning tournaments builds a winning culture. This NBA Cup victory sets the tone for the rest of the season.
- History Made: The Bucks are the first-ever NBA Cup champions—a title that will forever be part of their legacy.
FAQs
The Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81, thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double and a dominant third-quarter run.
Giannis recorded a stellar 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Bucks to victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) led the Thunder with 21 points, but his efforts fell short against Milwaukee’s dominance.
Darvin Ham achieved a 14-0 record in NBA midseason tournaments, leading two different teams to consecutive titles (Lakers and Bucks).
Conclusion
“Is there a “Ham” guaranteed championship? Antetokounmpo scored 26 points and three triples to defeat the Thunder. The Bucks won the first championship in team history with 7 wins and 0 losses.” perfectly sums up a historic night for the Milwaukee Bucks. Behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double heroics, Damian Lillard’s clutch scoring, and Darvin Ham’s midseason magic, the Bucks claimed their first-ever NBA Cup title with a commanding win over the Thunder.
As the Bucks bask in their glory and Thunder fans regroup, one thing is clear—Milwaukee is not just here to play; they’re here to dominate. Could this be the first of many trophies this season? With Giannis leading the charge, you’d be a fool to bet against them.
Final Score: Bucks 97, Thunder 81.
