Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a stunning triple-double to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, clinching the NBA Cup in Las Vegas.
The two-time MVP racked up 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with two steals and three blocks, as the Bucks turned a tight halftime contest into a second-half rout.
The Bucks, who hit 17 three-pointers, silenced the Thunder’s offense, allowing just 31 points in the second half. Damian Lillard contributed 23 points to the victory, while the Thunder struggled from long range, making just five of 32 attempts.
“This is who we are,” said Antetokounmpo, emphasizing the team’s defensive dominance and third-quarter surge, which held Oklahoma City to a season-low 14 points in a period.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points, but the Western Conference leaders couldn’t overcome their poor shooting night.
The Bucks’ victory marked a significant turnaround after starting the season 2-8. Now, with 13 wins in their last 16 games, Milwaukee is back in championship form.
Antetokounmpo, named MVP of the tournament, called the triumph a stepping stone, saying, “The job’s not done.”
While the Cup doesn’t count toward regular-season standings, players received financial rewards—$514,971 per player for the Bucks and $205,988 for the Thunder.
Milwaukee’s victory avenged their semi-final exit in last year’s NBA Cup, capping off a perfect tournament run and solidifying their status as one of the league’s hottest teams.
