Subscribe

Log in

Bucks Clinch NBA Cup Title in Dominant Victory!

Created on:

By: Mike

Bucks Make Statement in Rolling to NBA Cup Title
© Red94 – Bucks Clinch NBA Cup Title in Dominant Victory!

The Milwaukee Bucks have secured the NBA Cup championship.

Could a full NBA championship be their next achievement?

Perhaps it’s premature to ask. After all, we’re only partway through the NBA season. Moreover, the track record for Cup winners isn’t long—only the Los Angeles Lakers have previously won, and they struggled with a 3–10 record following their victory last season.

Nevertheless, the Bucks are on a hot streak. Their recent victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder by 97–81, although not counting towards the league standings, marked their fourth consecutive win. Since a rough start of 2–8, Milwaukee has improved to 12–3. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 26 points in the game, though not added to his season’s total, underline his outstanding performance this season with an average of 32.7 points per game and a shooting accuracy of 61.4% from the field.

“The team we began as this season isn’t who we are now,” stated Damian Lillard. “It never was who we really are.”

That wasn’t just a win; it was a dominant statement. The game was tight in the first half, ending with the Bucks up by one, but by the end of the third quarter, they had extended their lead to 13. Antetokounmpo scored 12 points in that quarter, bulldozing past every defender Oklahoma City put in his way. Lillard contributed significantly, sinking two of his total five three-pointers during that quarter.

“Their offense hits you hard,” remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “They deliver fastballs, and you need to be ready to handle them.”

It’s been nearly five years since Antetokounmpo’s last MVP title. After winning the MVP of the in-season tournament, he’s on track for another MVP season. His field goal percentage remains exceptional, and although his three-point shooting hasn’t improved, his mid-range game is flourishing with hooks, floaters, and jumpers newly added to his repertoire.

“Becoming the star he is today wasn’t easy,” Lillard said. “That’s why he never stops pushing. He’s always fighting to maintain his status and continue improving.”

With Antetokounmpo leading, the Bucks’ offense is thriving, but their defensive game has significantly improved, propelling them back into championship contention. After a weaker start, their defensive rating improved significantly over the last 15 games. They held the Thunder, a top offensive team, to a season-low 82 points.

“Someone mentioned how all they’d heard was about the other team’s defense for two days,” said coach Doc Rivers. “I think that got to our guys.”

The Bucks themselves saw their potential early on. Following a loss to the Boston Celtics in October, Lillard confidently stated, “We’re going to get this right.” A defensive strategy introduced by assistant coach Greg Buckner was gradually taking hold, and the synergy between Lillard and Antetokounmpo was strengthening. The belief within the Bucks’ locker room never faltered.

“If we keep doing the small things right,” Lillard explained, “if we play as a unit, share the ball, and trust our defensive plans and strategies, we can maintain our performance throughout the game.”

Adjustments have been made. AJ Green, known for his three-point shooting, has seen more playtime. Andre Jackson Jr. has claimed a starting position due to his defensive skills. Even initially underperforming shooters like Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis have started to find their rhythm.

“We’re competing more intensely,” Antetokounmpo noted. “Everyone understands that to stay in the game or win, we must intensify our efforts. We can’t just rely on our talent.”

Despite the celebratory mood post-game, there was no sense of finality. As Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham, who led the Lakers last season, reminded everyone, “We got 56 games left. Don’t forget that.”

The team remains focused, with an upcoming significant conference game against Cleveland. The Bucks’ locker room saw unopened Champagne bottles, a testament to the coaching staff’s orders to hold off celebrations, perhaps saving them for a more decisive victory.

“We’re set on improving and staying focused,” Antetokounmpo affirmed. “Because our work isn’t finished yet.”

Similar posts:

Leave a Comment