Giannis Antetokounmpo scored an impressive 32 points and secured 14 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 110-102, advancing to the NBA Cup final for a highly anticipated showdown. This victory not only highlights the Bucks’ tenacity but also serves as an opportunity for them to seek redemption after falling short in the semi-finals of last season’s inaugural in-season tournament.
The Bucks are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the championship game, scheduled for Tuesday at 01:30 GMT (Wednesday) in Las Vegas. The Thunder emerged victorious in their semi-final matchup against the Houston Rockets, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matching Antetokounmpo’s points tally by scoring 32 himself. Oklahoma City’s commanding performance resulted in a 111-96 victory, setting the stage for an electrifying final.
Antetokounmpo’s all-around game was on full display as he not only led the Bucks in scoring but also contributed nine assists, four blocks, and a steal, demonstrating his versatility and defensive prowess. Supporting him were Damian Lillard, who added 25 points, and Brook Lopez, who chipped in with 16 points. On the opposing side, Trae Young from Atlanta was a standout performer, leading his team with 35 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.
Reflecting on the game, Antetokounmpo emphasized the importance of teamwork and trust among the players. “We were able to disrupt their offense,” he stated, highlighting the Bucks’ strategic execution. After a rocky start to the season, where they secured only two wins in their first ten games, the team has found their rhythm, winning 12 of their last 15 outings. “We were moving the ball, playing team basketball, getting to our spots, knocking down a few shots down the stretch. That’s why we were able to get the win,” he said. The Greek star also pointed out the shift away from individualism, declaring, “We trust one another. We play together. There’s no more hero ball.”
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved to be a pivotal player in their semi-final match against Houston. In addition to scoring 32 points, he contributed eight rebounds, six assists, and five steals, showcasing his defensive intensity and facilitative playstyle. Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about his mindset during the game, saying, “I just wanted to be aggressive through all the ups and downs, highs and lows, and it paid off. Hopefully, we can do the same thing on Tuesday.” He expressed confidence in the Thunder’s ability to compete at a high level by emphasizing the significance of defense. “If we play defense, we give ourselves a chance every night. We just have to play hard, play together and have fun,” he added, underscoring the teamwork ethos that both teams will need to embrace in the final.
With the stage set for an exhilarating conclusion to this tournament, fans are eagerly looking forward to the clash between these two talented teams, each vying for the championship title in what promises to be an unforgettable encounter.
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