The Milwaukee Bucks win the second edition of the NBA Cup

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo takes a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder player Isaiah Hartenstein during the NBA Cup final, Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Las Vegas (Nevada). IAN MAULE / AP

The succession is nicely assured. After LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers in 2023, it was the Milwaukee Bucks and their star Giannis Antetokounmpo who won the second edition of the NBA Cup. The Wisconsin franchise dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final (97-81), Tuesday December 17 in Las Vegas (Nevada).

Named best player of the tournament, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an “MVP” performance during this final, with a triple-double at 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, also adding three blocks and two interceptions. Damian Lillard also played his part with 23 points on the clock.

Undefeated in this competition created last year to make the regular season more attractive, the Bucks were held by the Thunder during the first half (51-50), before taking off by winning the third quarter. time 26-14. Over the entire match, they made 17 of 40 3-point shots.

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“Proud of this group”

“It’s great for our team,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’re getting better, we know we’re leaving Vegas a better team. I’m really proud of this group.”added the Greek.

Opposite him, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points and Jalen Williams 18 for the Thunder, who had scored at least 99 points in every game this season. But only 34% shooting success penalized them against the Bucks in great shape.

For the latter, this is their 13e victory in 16 games, even if this will not appear in the official results since the NBA Cup final is the only match in this hybrid competition which does not count for the regular season.

Each Bucks player will receive a reward of $514,971 (approximately 490,000 euros). Thunder players receive $205,988 (around 196,000 euros).

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Le Monde with AP and AFP

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