The Milwaukee Bucks secured a commanding 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder to capture the NBA Cup, showcasing their defensive prowess and reaffirming their status as one of the league’s top teams. The victory was a testament to the Bucks’ ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, particularly defensively, as they limited the Thunder to just 31 points in the second half — their lowest output of the season. This performance was backed by remarkable team defense that set season-highs in several key statistical categories, including points allowed (81), field goal percentage (33.7%), and three-point shooting percentage (15.6%).
Coach Doc Rivers, whose leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, expressed great confidence in his team’s potential after the win. "I think it reminds us that we can beat anybody. And we don’t care if it tells everybody else that. Like we only care about us," Rivers said. His words resonated with the players, reflecting their belief in their collective strength. Rivers emphasized the importance of playing together and sticking to the defensive principles that forced stars like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo to play unselfishly. It was a strategy that paid off, as the Bucks' defense kept the Thunder at bay throughout the game, limiting their opportunities and making each possession difficult for Oklahoma City.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental in the Bucks’ victory, earning the NBA Cup Finals MVP title with an outstanding performance that included 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. His all-around play was a highlight of the game, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was crucial to the Bucks’ success. When asked about coaching a player of Giannis' caliber, Rivers couldn’t help but marvel at the opportunity, calling it a “perfect ten.” He added, "That opportunity, you know, to coach a Giannis, to coach a Dame... it's an amazing opportunity for a coach." Rivers’ admiration for his superstar players, including Giannis and Damian Lillard, was clear, as he highlighted how their commitment to the team and unselfish play helped elevate the Bucks to the next level.
Rivers also praised the veteran leadership within the team, noting how the players responded well to coaching without taking criticism personally. He shared that coaching this Bucks team felt like working with a group of mature individuals who understood the importance of constructive feedback. This maturity has been a key factor in the team’s success, as it allows them to remain focused on improvement rather than being bogged down by individual egos or frustrations.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite the loss, there were plenty of positive takeaways. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points, while Jalen Williams added 18. Both players displayed their talent and resilience, even in the face of a challenging game. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged his team’s disappointment but expressed optimism, viewing the game as a valuable learning experience. “It’s not just one game. But these are informative games,” Daigneault said. His perspective reflected the Thunder’s long-term vision and growth, as they look to build on this season’s progress and use such high-stakes games to understand their team’s potential.
For the Bucks, the win was not just about claiming a trophy but also about reinforcing their status as a championship contender. Doc Rivers has instilled a sense of belief within the team that they can compete with and defeat any opponent, and this victory was a significant step toward solidifying that confidence. As the team moves forward, they will look to build on their defensive success and continue to refine their offense, knowing they have the talent and chemistry to challenge for more titles in the future.
The 2024 NBA Cup victory not only adds another achievement to the Bucks’ growing legacy but also signals the team’s readiness to compete for future championships. With the leadership of Rivers, the versatility of Giannis, and the steady contributions from the rest of the roster, the Bucks look set to remain a dominant force in the NBA for years to come.