The Milwaukee Bucks received the 2024 NBA Cup on Tuesday, pulling away from the cold-shooting Oklahoma City Thunder for a 97-81 win within the event’s title recreation in Las Vegas. The Bucks star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the way in which, combining for 49 factors as Milwaukee capped off an ideal 7-0 run in NBA Cup play. Antetokounmpo, who had a triple-double within the championship recreation (26 factors, 19 rebounds, 10 assists), was named the event’s MVP.
Bucks gamers earned the trophy and a profitable payday with the win. Milwaukee gamers will all obtain a bonus prize of $514,971 for profitable the title because the league upped the NBA Cup prize cash in 2024.
But it was the Thunder staff the Bucks beat, and the way in which they beat them, that would find yourself which means much more to their final purpose of competing for an precise championship within the coming months.
Yes, the Thunder have been with out Chet Holmgren and that modifications quite a bit on the rim, and no, the Thunder, regardless that they have not been almost as sharp from 3 as they have been final season, should not going to overlook 85% of their 3-pointers in lots of video games (OKC went simply 5 for 32 from 3-point vary on Tuesday and made only one triple within the first half).
None of that takes away from Milwaukee’s efficiency, which, once we look again upon this season, may very nicely find yourself being the night time the Bucks’ season actually kicked into excessive gear.
You would possibly argue that has already occurred because the Bucks entered Tuesday night time having received 12 of their final 15 video games. But take a look at the opponents. Of the 12 wins, solely three got here towards a staff that was over .500 on the time, and two of these got here with main caveats. A one-point squeaker over the Rockets got here courtesy of a game-winning possession the Bucks by no means ought to’ve been gifted within the first place, which the NBA admitted to in its Last Two-Minute Report.
The different good win on paper got here every week in the past towards a Magic, who have been with out Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, which principally makes them a Big Ten offense.
In the Cup semifinal, Milwaukee defeated a Hawks staff that has been equally scorching, however that is not a measuring-stick opponent if we’re being trustworthy. Oklahoma City is, even with out Holmgren on the ground, particularly contemplating the Bucks have been with out Khris Middleton, who’s going to need to issue closely into their half-court formulation if they’ll compete with the large boys come April and May.
The Bucks received this recreation on the 3-point line, the place, as talked about, the Thunder have been ice chilly whereas Milwaukee made 17 of 40 makes an attempt (42%). That’s been the theme for some time now. Over these final 15 video games, Milwaukee has made 41% of its 3-pointers, the second-best mark within the league. The Bucks have their flaws, however they’ve numerous guys who can shoot it, too, and that cures quite a bit. Right now, they’re scorching.
Will it proceed? The sheer variety of viable shooters suggests it should endure as a power, even when not at this scorching a clip. Damian Lillard, who completed with 23 factors and made 5 of his 10 3s, has appeared largely just like the participant the Bucks anticipated they have been getting after they basically flipped protection for offense (by swapping Jrue Holiday). Antetokounmpo, in the meantime, might be having the perfect season of his profession, which is definitely saying one thing for a two-time MVP.
But one thing like this Cup run needed to occur to stamp some validation on what the Bucks have been doing for the final month. It does not imply it will equate to something in the long term. The Lakers received the Cup final season and bought swept within the first spherical of the playoffs. Momentum solely lasts so lengthy and is simply good for a lot.
But the Bucks have been a large number to start out this season, and so they do not look something like that staff proper now. They’re previous, however the top-end expertise remains to be there, particularly on a given night time. When a staff has the expertise, good issues can all the time occur. Bad occasions can all the time flip round.
It does not imply it could actually’t flip once more and begin heading again south, and the Bucks nonetheless have to point out they will beat the great groups if the 3-point disparity is not so extraordinarily of their favor, however for now the ship is greater than steadied. It’s really beginning to steam forward, propelled by Tuesday night time, when the Bucks recorded what was simply their finest — and in hindsight may find yourself being their most necessary — win of the season.
