Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant performance, recording a triple-double and earning MVP honors as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 to claim the 2024 NBA Cup in Las Vegas.
Antetokounmpo, famously known as the “Nigerian Freak,” showcased his all-around brilliance with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Teammate Damian Lillard added to the firepower, hitting five three-pointers and contributing 23 points, further bolstering the Bucks’ offense.
The game, which resembled a championship showdown, remained tight in the first half, with Milwaukee holding a narrow 51-50 lead at halftime. However, the Bucks pulled away in the second half, propelled by their superior three-point shooting accuracy.
Star guard Lillard’s clutch performance included sinking five of 10 shots from beyond the arc, complementing Antetokounmpo’s heroics. Bench spark Gary Trent Jr. also made a significant impact, scoring 13 points and hitting three of six from deep.
Brook Lopez was the only other Milwaukee starter to score in double figures, contributing 13 points.
Darvin Ham, who was undefeated as head coach with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, continued his flawless record as an assistant coach for Milwaukee, leading the team to an unblemished tournament run.
For the Thunder, Jalen Williams led the scoring with 18 points on 20 attempts, while Isaiah Hartenstein posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds on efficient 6-of-11 shooting. Despite their efforts, Oklahoma City struggled to keep pace with Milwaukee’s offensive efficiency.
With this victory, the Milwaukee Bucks have etched their name in NBA Cup history, securing the prestigious title for the first time.
