The Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their spots in the highly anticipated championship game of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, showcasing thrilling performances during the semifinals on Saturday night.
The Bucks triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 110-102, thanks to standout performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo was particularly spectacular, nearly securing a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks. Lillard contributed 25 points, providing necessary scoring support for the Bucks, who have now improved their record to 11-1 all-time during the NBA Cup, with their sole loss occurring last year during the semifinals.
Despite the defeat, the Hawks fought valiantly. Their leading scorer, Trae Young, lit up the scoreboard with 35 points along with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Young's notable offensive efforts weren’t enough to overcome late-game struggles; the Hawks could only manage one successful field goal out of seven attempts during the final five minutes of the match. Head coach Quin Snyder commended his team’s competitive spirit, stating, "I think the storyline for me is just how we compete...you find out about yourself." His focus remains on building the team’s identity as they continue their development.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder registered their own semifinal victory over the Houston Rockets, defeating them 111-96. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly, scoring 20 of his 32 points during the decisive second half. Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams also played key roles, each contributing 21 and 20 points, respectively. This victory extends the Thunder's winning streak to five games as they head toward the finals.
Amen Thompson led the Rockets, scoring 19 points, but it wasn't sufficient to advance them to the championship game. The semifinal results have set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying final showdown between the Bucks and Thunder on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This championship game will be aired live at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.
The Emirates NBA Cup functions differently than typical regular-season games, as only the championship game will not count toward the league standings—giving teams the chance to compete for something more alongside their season performance. This tournament format began on November 12, involving all 30 NBA teams divided randomly by conference win-loss records, giving fans a new layer of excitement and competition.
Looking forward to the final match, there’s much at stake. The winning team will not only receive the coveted NBA Cup trophy but also access to monetary prizes allotted to players based on their tournament performance. A media panel will select the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and also name an All-Tournament Team after the championship, adding another layer of distinction for the players involved.
Despite the defeat, the Atlanta Hawks leave the tournament with positive reflections. Trae Young took pride not only in his scoring but emphasized his defensive efforts. “The defensive end is going to get us where we really want to go...especially when where I want to go,” he emphasized post-game, highlighting his growth as both a leader and defender throughout this tournament.
Coaches have noted significant improvements within the Hawks' team chemistry. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers remarked on Young’s evolution, claiming, “He’s earned the trust of his players...I couldn’t say this in the past, but now they love playing with him.” This positive change hints at promising prospects for the Hawks as they prepare for the regular season.
With excitement building around the championship game, fans and players alike are gearing up for the showdown between the Bucks and Thunder as they compete for the first-ever Emirates NBA Cup. The result remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the championship game is poised to display top-tier basketball with high stakes on the line.
