On December 15, 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Houston Rockets with a score of 111-96, securing their place in the NBA Cup Finals. The game took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals, formerly known as the in-season tournament.
Initially, it was the Rockets who seemed to have the upper hand. They ended the first quarter leading with 20-18, showcasing their strong offensive presence. The Thunder, trailing slightly, entered halftime with the Rockets narrowly leading at 42-41, indicating the intense competitiveness of the match.
Despite the first-half struggles, the Thunder's star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ignited his team’s performance. He scored 12 points during the third quarter, abandoning the pretense of merely keeping pace with the Rockets. Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort contributed significantly with three three-pointers, adding 11 points of his own during the pivotal quarter.
Entering the fourth quarter, fueled with momentum, the Thunder maintained their lead with contributions from players like Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein, who also added to the score, helping their team secure the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who played for 37 minutes, finished with outstanding stats including 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, making him the MVP of the match. His effective performance from the free-throw line, making 14 out of 15 attempts, showcased his coolness under pressure.
“I aimed to keep my aggressive mindset, and it really paid off,” Gilgeous-Alexander remarked post-game, reflecting on the Thunder's successful adjustment to their gameplay strategy.
Meanwhile, other noteworthy performances included Hartenstein, with 21 points and 8 rebounds, and Williams who added 20 points. Lu Dort’s 19 points and 9 rebounds rounded out the quartet of Thunder players who stepped up during the game.
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, struggled to maintain efficient shooting, with only six players reaching double digits. Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 19 points and 7 rebounds, but the overall shooting percentage dropped below 40%, indicating missed opportunities on the court. Ja’Barry Smith Jr. and Dillon Brooks added 14 points each, with Alperen Sengun contributing another 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Looking forward, the Thunder will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM JST. The Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 to secure their place in the final, with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up 32 points and 14 rebounds.
This matchup promises to be thrilling, as both teams aim for the prestigious title. The Thunder, having shown their resilience against the Rockets, will seek to build on their momentum heading to the finals.
The championship game is set to capture the attention of basketball fans worldwide, with the Thunder aiming for their first NBA Cup title against the seasoned Bucks.
Stay tuned for the finals this coming Tuesday, as the Thunder and Bucks vie for the title, showcasing the pinnacle of both teams’ talents on the court.
