The Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder competed for the Emirates NBA Cup on Tuesday evening in Las Vegas. Both teams were competitive on the floor. Eventually, the Thunder couldn’t keep up with the Buck’s defense. During the NBA Cup finals, both teams had interesting and touching moments that ignited the competition. What were these moments?
The Bucks and Thunder Altercation on the Court
What’s a final without drama? The Bucks and Thunder got into an altercation in the second quarter. The game was intense, with both teams going back and forth, trading buckets at the rim. This altercation involved Isaiah Hartenstein and Andre Jackson. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the ball looking for a scoring opportunity. While Andre Jackson was defending SGA, Hartenstein set a screen for SGA to have an open look. The OKC guard took that opportunity to make a three-point jumper attempt. Jackson then hit the Canadian guard, which almost made SGA land awkwardly.
Hartenstein didn’t react to that play till after the next possession after the Bucks called a timeout. Giannis Antetokounmpo lost his footing while driving to the rim, and then the Bucks called a timeout. After the call, Hartenstein and Jackson got into an altercation. Both players received technical fouls for the dust-up.
Damian Lillard’s First NBA Trophy
Damian Lillard played 11 seasons at the Portland TrailBlazers before moving to Milwaukee. When Lillard arrived at the Bucks franchise, his resume only included individual achievements. Also, he was rusty in his first season with the Bucks, as he had yet to find his rhythm.
“I’ve had a lot of experience individually where I’ve had accomplishments and stuff, but to have some team success and win something and be the last team standing in this tournament, it feels great,” Lillard said
At the Blazers, Lillard was the only star on the team. So he has to learn about being Antetokonmpo’s co-star. And he had a stellar performance; Lillard scored 23 points, four assists, and four rebounds. Also, this is the Bucks guard’s first NBA Trophy. In addition to this NBA Cup, Lillard is a seven-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Star, and 2013 Rookie of the Year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Goal for the NBA Cup
Just like other players, Antetokounmpo’s goal was to win the NBA Cup. But this wasn’t the end game. The NBA Champ wanted to help two-way signee Liam Robbins get a place at Iowa. This goal was the MVP’s motive for winning this NBA Cup. When a team wins in this tournament, each player gets $500,000.
“Some of my teammates got life-changing money. We had this joke within the team about our two-way guy Liam. I promised him after the first Cup game, ‘We’re going to go all the way, and we’re gonna get you a house in Iowa.’ So after every game, I’d be like, ‘One step closer to your house in Iowa!’” Antetokounmpo said.
Antetokounmpo also got his first NBA Cup MVP after finishing with a triple-double of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Last season, the Indiana Pacers kicked the Bucks out of contention in the semifinals. Antetokounmpo was active on the defensive end of the court with three blocks and a steal. Also, the Greek Freak is on his way to becoming this season’s MVP, as he averages 32.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists with 61.4% in field goals.
Final Thoughts
The Milwaukee Bucks could become a threat to the Boston Celtics as they are playing at an elite level. The Bucks beat the Western Conference first seed and have won 8 of their last 10 games in the regular season. With Darvin Ham’s guidance, the Bucks won their first NBA Cup. Also, the Buck assistant coach is the only coach to win two NBA Cup trophies with two different teams. As the Bucks build chemistry on the court, they stand a chance to compete well in the 2025 playoffs.
