Teh second annual NBA Cup’s knockout phase began with a Tuesday night doubleheader of quarterfinal games.
The first contest between the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks went down to the wire with the Bucks winning 114-109 at fiserv forum in Milwaukee.
Down 107-106 late in the fourth quarter, Bucks guard Damian Lillard capitalized on the Magic’s defensive breakdown, driving easily to the basket for the go-ahead uncontested layup with less than 33 seconds remaining in regulation.
The eight-time All-Star finished with 28 points and nine assists and the NBA’s leading scorer, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, had a game-high 37 points.
For the second time in as many editions of the in-season tournament, Milwaukee has advanced to the Eastern conference semifinal.
Tuesday’s nightcap featured two of the NBA’s leading scorers – Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks traveled north to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder attempted an astonishing 31 three-pointers in the first half of the game, connecting on 11 of them. Despite getting 18 points from Gilgeous-Alexander while holding Dončić to just two points in the half, OKC only took a three-point lead to the intermission.
Oklahoma City put a stranglehold on the game in third quarter, as the Thunder stretched their lead to as many as 20 points with Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to key OKC’s attack.
The Mavericks mounted a comeback as Dončić and Kyrie Irving finally found their offensive rhythm in the fourth. Dallas cut the deficit to eight points, but the Thunder were able to hold the Mavs at bay and OKC coasted to a 118-104 win.
Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 39 points in the game, more than Dončić (16) and Irving (17) combined. The Thunder attempted a mind-boggling 50 three-pointers, making 20 for an even 40% shooting from long range.
“It had a little bit of a playoff feel, a little bit more at stake than just a regular season game. I’m proud of the team. I’m proud of the guys. We rose to the moment and beat a good basketball team,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game.
The remaining pair of NBA Cup quarterfinal contests will be played on Wednesday night.
The early game will take place at “The World’s Moast Famous Arena” as the New York Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks, led by recent Madison Square Garden villain Trae Young.
In the late action Wednesday, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors will take their entertaining brand of basketball on the road to face the upstart Houston Rockets.
The semifinal games will tip off on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and the final will be played on Tuesday at the same venue.
What key factors contributed to the Milwaukee Bucks’ success in the quarterfinals against the Orlando Magic?
Interview with Basketball Analyst Dr. Lisa Carter on the NBA Cup Quarterfinals
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Carter! It’s great to have you with us to discuss the latest developments in the NBA Cup. The recent quarterfinals featured some thrilling matchups, particularly the game between the Orlando Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks. What were your initial thoughts on that game?
Dr. Lisa Carter: Thank you for having me! That match was a rollercoaster of emotions and showcased the intensity of the NBA Cup. The Bucks’ resilience really stood out, especially given that they were down late in the fourth quarter.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! The Bucks managed to clinch the game with a final score of 114-109. Can you break down that critical moment where Damian Lillard drove to the basket for the go-ahead layup?
Dr. Lisa carter: Certainly! When you’re in a high-pressure situation like that,it’s key to capitalize on defensive lapses from your opponent. The Magic seemed to lose track of Lillard, who, despite being a veteran, took advantage of the moment. His ability to remain calm under pressure really helped the Bucks secure their victory.
Time.news Editor: Lillard had an remarkable night, finishing with 28 points and 9 assists. How do you evaluate his performance in relation to the overall dynamics of the game?
Dr. Lisa Carter: Lillard’s performance was crucial. Beyond his scoring, he orchestrated plays and set up opportunities for his teammates, proving to be a leader on the court. His experience in crunch time situations was essential, particularly alongside stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also delivered a stellar performance with 37 points.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of Giannis, he is the NBA’s leading scorer. How does his scoring ability impact the Bucks’ strategy in games like these?
Dr. Lisa carter: Giannis’ ability to dominate on the offensive end is a game-changer. The defense has to focus heavily on him, which opens up opportunities for his teammates. When he’s aggressive, it forces the opposing defense to make tough choices. In this game, we saw how that pressure culminated in key moments that allowed players like Lillard to rise.
Time.news Editor: This is the second consecutive year the Bucks have advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA Cup. What does this say about their performance and team dynamics overall?
Dr. Lisa carter: It reflects a strong foundation within the team. Consistency in performance during high-stakes tournaments is difficult, but the Bucks seem to have developed a winning mindset.Their ability to handle pressure and make adjustments during games sets them apart, and it’s a testament to their coaching and player synergy.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead,what should we expect from the Bucks as they progress further in the tournament?
Dr.Lisa Carter: If they maintain their current level of play and continue to execute their game plan effectively, they are definitely strong contenders. Their balance of scoring, defensive tenacity, and depth make them a formidable opponent. However, they will need to remain vigilant against teams that can exploit any weaknesses.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter! It’s always enlightening to gain your outlook on these games and the players involved. We look forward to following the Bucks in the next round!
Dr. Lisa Carter: Thank you! I’m excited to see how the tournament unfolds. Let’s hope for more thrilling basketball!