Bucks Dominate Thunder in NBA Cup Championship Game

The Milwaukee Bucks claimed the NBA Cup championship by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 on December 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. This impressive victory marked a significant turnaround for the Bucks, who started their season with a tough 1-6 record but finished strong with this win.

Overall Performance

In the championship game, the Bucks showcased their skills with a fantastic team effort. Their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was simply unstoppable. He achieved a triple-double with an outstanding performance of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard scored 23 points, contributing significantly to the Bucks’ victory, especially with his sharpshooting from beyond the arc.

Thunder’s Struggles

The Thunder faced a tough night on the court. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the team with 21 points, the Thunder struggled offensively. They shot only 33.7% from the field, which is much lower than what they need to succeed. The biggest issue was their three-point shooting accuracy; they made only 15.6% of their attempts, hitting just 5 of 32 shots from long range. This kind of performance was not typical for the team.

Key Moments

Throughout the game, the Bucks built a solid lead as they attacked the basketball with confidence. The Thunder found it hard to keep up, especially since they were missing key player Chet Holmgren due to an injury. The absence of Holmgren stripped the Thunder of an essential defensive player, which allowed Antetokounmpo to shine even brighter.

Looking Forward

After this loss, the Thunder will need to learn from their experience in the finals. Coach Mark Daigneault mentioned that this game serves as a valuable lesson for the team. They need to work on their offensive strategies and improve their shooting percentages before their next matchup.

Player Earnings

Despite their loss, the Thunder players were rewarded for making it to the finals. Each player received approximately $216,000. On the other hand, the Bucks celebrated not only the championship but also a substantial bonus of about $515,000 for each player, a well-deserved prize for their hard work and victory in the tournament.

Bucks’ Comeback Story

This championship win is a remarkable turnaround for the Bucks. After starting the season poorly, they ended up going undefeated throughout the NBA Cup. Their success in this tournament has made a strong statement, showing that they can compete and win at the highest level.