The NBA Cup semifinals brought together the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks, two teams with high aspirations and hungry rosters. The game, played on December 14, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, had fans eagerly anticipating what was touted to be an electrifying matchup.
Both teams had been making headlines for their recent performances. The Atlanta Hawks, coming off impressive victories, had won seven of their last eight games, putting them firmly on the radar of basketball enthusiasts. Their success included decisive wins over playoff contenders like the Knicks and Celtics, showcasing their formidable offensive prowess.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks, led by the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, were set to exert their dominance. With their strong history in the NBA Cup, boasting 11 wins out of 12 games prior to this matchup, they were aiming for another shot at the trophy.
Giannis had been on fire, averaging incredible stats this season. His resilience was highlighted when he stated, "I just tried to compete." This established the tone of effort needed from his team to succeed.
The Bucks were favored going in, with the odds offering them as 4-point favorites. This spread indicated their established standing, yet the Hawks were not to be underestimated. The game was poised to be close, especially with both teams having exceptional talents on their rosters. The Hawks relied heavily on their star point guard, Trae Young, who had been lighting it up with impressive scoring and playmaking abilities.
On the game day, the starting lineups featured some interesting matchups. For the Hawks, alongside Trae Young were Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Clint Capela. The Bucks trotted out Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, showing off their depth and star power.
The matchup had dimensions of classic rivalry, especially considering the last encounter where the Hawks overcame the Bucks 119-104. It was not just about revenge for Milwaukee; it was also about reaffirming their dominance against the underdog Hawks.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Hawks' recent form meant they were not simply there to make up the numbers. Young's numbers had been eye-catching, and he had drawn significant fouls throughout his games—an aspect the Hawks capitalized on across the board. He had 35 points against Milwaukee previously, proving he was capable of rising to the occasion.
The matchup began with both teams trading baskets, setting the stage for an intense contest. The Hawks encountered some initial struggles against the Bucks' defense, which ranked high defensively at sixth for field goal percentages allowed. Milwaukee's rebounding game played as part of their strategy to give them second-chance points, but the Hawks matched the physicality.
One common theme echoing through conversations surrounding both teams was the need to avoid being outshot from three-point territory. The Bucks, ranked third for three-point shooting at 39.8%, were significantly more effective at scoring from beyond the arc. Analysts speculated whether the Hawks’ porous defense would hold up against this onslaught.
The game’s intensity increased, highlighted by the plays from both teams. A particularly pivotal moment was Giannis’s block against Clint Capela, sealing the score late and eleving the energy in the arena. Coach Doc Rivers praised his team’s effort, mentioning the importance of “winning plays” down the stretch. Rivers stated, "We never show film after a game, and we showed the winning plays today,” illustrating the mindset and saving grace philosophy leading to this victory.
Once the final buzzer sounded, the Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious with a 110-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks, earning them the right to compete for the NBA Cup once again. Giannis's contributions were staggering—32 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists—his performance underscoring his capability and impact on the team's success.
Trae Young put up commendable numbers with 35 points alongside 10 assists and seven rebounds, but his efforts fell short against the more experienced Bucks. The Hawks’ Jalen Johnson, who had been impressively consistent, contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds, but the team could not maintain the edge needed to topple the Bucks.
The aftermath of the match left the Bucks preparing for their championship clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had taken care of business against Houston. Despite the disappointment for Atlanta, their progression throughout the tournament indicated they were on the rise and could be potential playoff contenders moving forward.
Giannis emphasized the need to keep pushing forward, aligning with his comments on selflessness and team spirit. He noted, “What matters is just being able to be selfless, sacrifice your body, your own ambitions, goals, to help your team win.” This mantra encapsulated the competitive nature of sportsmanship which rings true this NBA season.
