NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Bucks Dominate, Thunder’s Defense Stuns!

The NBA Cup’s second edition has narrowed its competition to just four teams. Following a couple of days filled with knockout rounds, the Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets are set to head to Las Vegas for the semifinals on Saturday. An enticing cash prize, boasting rights, and a championship banner are all up for grabs in Tuesday’s final game.

The quarterfinal rounds were a series of tight, fiercely contested matches that provided great entertainment. The players seemed to push their limits, creating an intense playoff atmosphere, even though it’s only December.

Below are the four most significant insights from the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Ensure a Bucks Victory

The Bucks faced unexpected resistance from an Orlando Magic team missing its key players this past Tuesday. Without Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, both out with oblique injuries, the undermanned Magic team challenged Milwaukee fiercely at their home court. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard rose to the occasion, showcasing their synergistic partnership essential for Milwaukee’s success.

Antetokounmpo, with his typical dominance, led the charge for the Bucks in their 114–109 victory, scoring 37 points. Known for his aggressive play, the two-time MVP kept the resilient Magic at bay, particularly during the first three quarters, by constantly finding scoring opportunities against their tough defense.

As the game neared its climax with a tied score at two minutes left, the threat of a loss loomed. However, Lillard took over the game, scoring 11 consecutive points, which included a total of 28 points and nine assists, propelling Milwaukee to a crucial win. The Bucks now hold a record of 21–11 when both Antetokounmpo and Lillard score at least 25 points.

This game highlighted the critical performances needed from their stars for the Bucks to prevail in high-stakes games. Antetokounmpo’s physicality gradually wears down defenses, which sets the stage for Lillard to take control in the final quarter.

Thunder Overpowers Mavericks, Restricting Luka Doncic

In a highly anticipated NBA Cup quarterfinal match, Oklahoma City avenged their previous season’s playoff defeat by overpowering the Dallas Mavericks. Their intensely physical defensive strategy was evident as they effectively smothered Luka Doncic, limiting him to just 16 points.

Doncic struggled under the suppressive defense of the Thunder, leading to a low offensive rating for the Mavericks during his 40 minutes on the court. The defensive prowess of OKC, particularly from players like Lu Dort, who literally stuck close to Doncic, played a significant role in this outcome.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive skills often capture attention, it’s the team’s depth in strong, smart, and relentless defenders that secures wins against top-tier teams.

Trae Young Continues to Thrive as the Knicks’ Nemesis

This season, the Hawks have been an epitome of mediocrity, which was somewhat expected after trading Dejounte Murray. They’ve managed to maintain a balance around a .500 record all season.

However, on Wednesday night, they faced off against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and turned around a double-digit deficit in the second half to secure a 108–100 win. Central to this comeback was none other than Trae Young.

Young, a known antagonist in recent Knicks history, thrives under the intense scrutiny and boos from the New York crowd. His presence and performance in critical moments continue to cement his status as a top performer in high-pressure environments.

Ultimately, it was a collaborative effort for the Hawks, with De’Andre Hunter leading the scoring. Young, despite missing all his shots in the fourth quarter, contributed crucially with four assists in the last five minutes, driving the team to overcome one of the East’s formidable opponents.

As long as Young plays, his rivalry with the Knicks will persist, and judging by his postgame reactions, he’s far from tired of this dynamic.

Rockets Secure a Clutch Win Despite a Clumsy Game

The final game of the NBA Cup quarterfinals was far from a showcase of finesse, with the Rockets and Golden State Warriors struggling to find their rhythm. The game was marred by poor shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, and a high number of turnovers.

The contest came down to the wire with a controversial foul call on the Warriors following a missed shot by Stephen Curry. Jalen Green’s subsequent free throws put Houston ahead, and a last-second block by Jabari Smith Jr. sealed the win for the Rockets, 91–90.

Despite the messy play, the Rockets managed to pull through against a seasoned opponent. This type of gritty victory is exactly what the young Houston team needs as they learn to win in challenging situations.

With this win, the Rockets are on their way to Las Vegas, having overcome notable veterans like Curry and Draymond Green. It’s a significant achievement for coach Ime Udoka to build upon, regardless of the game’s aesthetic quality.