This time it's the right one for Milwaukee who will see the NBA Cup final after defeating an eye-catching Atlanta team in the semifinals in Las Vegas. The Bucks were notably able to count on a sparkling Giannis Antetokounmpo, particularly at the end of the match, where he allowed his team to take a decisive advantage.
Despite the 7-0 and the good start of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Atlanta quickly took the measure of the defense of the Bucks with Trae Young in master of play and lieutenants in form, like Bogdan Bogdanovic, who briefly crossed the gap at +7 following two 3-point baskets (14-21) and the Johnson-Hunter-Okongwu trio to keep the Hawks in the lead after 12 minutes (26-28).
The Bucks lieutenants also had the opportunity to get their hands on things like Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis, who were valuable coming off the bench. AJ Green took over in the second quarter to fuel a 12-0 run alongside Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis (38-28). Damian Lillard then pushed the Hawks back in a more choppy end to the first half, hitting two more baskets behind the arc and finding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez near the circle (55-49).
The “Greek Freak” in the finale
Trae Young took the game into his own hands after returning from the locker room by scoring 14 points and delivering two assists in the third quarter to keep Atlanta in the game. The Okongwu-Johnson tandem took over perfectly at the end of the period with a 3-pointer from the first and a dunk followed by a tap from the second to allow Quin Snyder's men to take the lead again (82-83).
The debates remained balanced until the start of “money time”, when Giannis Antetokounmpo donned his savior costume, with a dunk in transition, a powerful lay-up and a magnificent “fadeaway jumper” to offer 7 steps ahead of his own and force the decision (103-96). The “Greek Freak” then released the counter of the evening on the alley-oop attempt between Trae Young and Clint Capela before finding Brook Lopez to add two precious points (105-100).
Damian Lillard had the composure necessary to finish the job with a victorious drive, and Milwaukee was able to savor its victory synonymous with the NBA Cup final (110-102).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The final of Gianis Antetokounmpo. Three decisive baskets and a monumental counter which allowed Milwaukee to get rid of an eye-catching team and which punctuated an almost perfect performance from the “Greek Freak”. It was necessary at least that to counter a big Trae Young in the face.
– Milwaukee did it. The Bucks had already tasted the final four of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas during the first edition last season but failed against the Pacers (128-119) in the semi-final. Back this year, this time they fulfilled their first objective by reaching the final.
Zaccharie Risacher made an encore discret. The number 1 in the Draft delivered a performance in line with his previous outing in the quarter-final of the NBA Cup against the Knicks (2 points to 1/8 shooting). The French winger was still too discreet in the offensive animation, and did not see the field in the last quarter.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
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