The Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder qualified for the NBA Cup final,beating the Hawks of French rookie Zaccharie Risacher and the houston Rockets respectively on Saturday in Las Vegas. The Bucks won 110-102, while the Thunder dominated the Rockets 111-96. The two teams will face each other on Tuesday for the final in the city of the match, where the semi-finals of this competition created last year will be played.
Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) and Shai Gilgeous-alexander (Thunder), both cheered by the crowd at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with chants of «MVP»each scored 32 points to lead their respective franchises to victory.antetokounmpo,the league’s top scorer (32.7 points per game on average), has a fifth straight game with at least 30 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander signs his 13th game this season with at least 30 points on the clock.
Gilgeous-Alexander also grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 6 assists and made 5 steals.He was well aided by Isaiah Hartenstein,Lu Dort and Jalen Williams,who scored at least 19 points each,despite the Rockets’ aggressive defense. Houston thus drops to third place in the Western Conference (17 wins,9 losses),while OKC confirms its lead in the standings (20 wins,5 losses).
The “Greek Freak” continues
On the Bucks side, the «Greek Freak» he also grabbed 14 rebounds, offered 9 assists and made 4 blocks, including the decisive one on Clint Capela at the end of the game. “We have turned our season around, but we must continue because our work is not finished”reacted Antetokounmpo, whose team had won onyl two of its first ten games this season before climbing back to sixth place (14 wins, 11 losses). With 57 games remaining in the season, “We have to continue playing together and hopefully we can continue to improve”added the Greek, MVP (best player) in 2019 and 2020.
“I find that last year a lot of teams were like, yeah, I don’t know (about the Cup). I like it this year because more teams are saying: we want to win it (…) I want us to write our name on this trophy”bucks coach Doc Rivers also insisted. The Hawks fought well, as Trae Young was on fire (35 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds), and only really collapsed late in the game against the Bucks’ offence. The Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher, number 1 in the latest draft, did not shine, scoring just two points (1 of 3 shooting) in 17 minutes of play. All NBA Cup games also count towards the regular season, except the final. Each player of the champion team will receive a prize of 514,971 dollars (approximately 490,226 euros).
What strategies might the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder employ to secure victory in the NBA Cup final?
Interview: Analyzing the NBA Cup Final between the milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today,we have the pleasure of speaking with sports analyst and basketball expert,Dr. Emily Thompson, to discuss the upcoming NBA cup final featuring the Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma city Thunder. Dr. Thompson, both teams have had impressive performances in thier semifinals. What do you think were the keys to their success?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Thank you for having me. Both teams showcased amazing talent and teamwork in their semifinals. The bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, demonstrated their resilience despite a rocky start to the season.Antetokounmpo scored 32 points,contributing to a significant 110-102 victory over the Hawks. His ability to not only score but also grab 14 rebounds and provide 9 assists underscores his all-around game. On the other hand, the Thunder, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, dominated the Houston Rockets 111-96. Gilgeous-Alexander also scored 32 points and made substantial contributions in rebounds, assists, and steals. The depth in both squads played a crucial role as well, with other players stepping up to support their stars.
Interviewer: Giannis Antetokounmpo is referred to as the “Greek Freak.” How important is his role for the Bucks as they head into the final?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Antetokounmpo’s role is pivotal for the Bucks. His scoring average of 32.7 points per game this season, along with his consistent ability to perform under pressure—evidenced by his fifth consecutive game with 30 points—makes him a key asset. His defensive skills,highlighted by a crucial block in the semifinal against clint Capela,show that he’s not just an offensive threat but also a formidable defender. If he continues to play at this level, the Bucks stand a strong chance of lifting the trophy.
Interviewer: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental for the Thunder.What impact does he have on the team’s dynamics leading up to the final?
Dr. Emily Thompson: gilgeous-alexander is having an impressive season and is becoming a household name in the NBA. His ability to score—marking his 13th game of the season with at least 30 points—accompanied by his all-round contributions such as 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, reflects his leadership on the court. He energizes his teammates, and his versatility opens up the floor for players like Isaiah hartenstein and Lu Dort to contribute substantially. His performance will be critical for the Thunder if they hope to secure the title in the final.
Interviewer: The Bucks and Thunder are both riding high on confidence. How do you think the crowd’s support at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will affect the game?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Home court advantage can never be underestimated, even if it’s technically a neutral site. The crowd can play a vital role in building momentum during crucial moments of the game. Chants of “MVP” for both Giannis and Gilgeous-Alexander show that fans recognize the star power on display. The emotional boost that comes from the crowd can influence player performances, leading to a more thrilling final. It will be fascinating to see how the atmosphere impacts the flow of the game.
Interviewer: what do you think the introduction of the NBA Cup means for the league moving forward?
Dr. Emily Thompson: The NBA Cup brings an exciting new dynamic to the league. It encourages teams to compete fiercely, as seen this year with clubs expressing their desire to win the tournament.It effectively enhances the stakes within the regular season, as teams aim not only for traditional playoff berths but also for the chance to claim this prestigious cup. It represents a progressive step in how the league is evolving,fostering competitive spirit and engagement among fans. As we see both the Bucks and Thunder vying for glory, this coudl set exciting precedents for future tournaments.
Interviewer: Thank you, dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how the final unfolds on Tuesday!
Dr. emily Thompson: My pleasure! I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.