15.12.2024
Milwaukee Bucks 110 - 102 Atlanta Hawks
In an exciting NBA Cup semifinal matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 110-102 in Las Vegas, earning their place in the championship game against Oklahoma City. Giannis Antetokounmpo starred for the Bucks, recording 32 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four crucial blocks, narrowly missing a triple-double. His performance included a pivotal block on Clint Capela's alley-oop attempt, securing the Bucks' lead. Damian Lillard contributed 25 points, while Brook Lopez added 16. Despite the loss, Atlanta's Trae Young put on an impressive display, scoring 35 points and facilitating 10 assists. Notably, Young drew 11 fouls, marking a season-high, a feat he's accomplished 52 times in his NBA career. The Bucks, breaking a streak of 20 consecutive losses when trailing into the fourth quarter, fought back from an 83-82 deficit to win, continuing their dominance in NBA Cup history with a record of 11-1. The championship game does not affect regular season standings, and both teams will soon return to their season schedules.
Oklahoma City Thunder 111 - 96 Houston Rockets
In a thrilling matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets 111-96, securing their place in the NBA Cup championship. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, scoring 20 of his 32 points in the second half, and making 14 of 15 free throws to surpass his season average. Oklahoma City followed a 13-3 run late in the game to break away from the Rockets, scoring 70 points in the second half. The win marks the Thunder's fifth in a row, setting them up for a showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks, who beat the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 in their semifinal. Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen Williams, and Luguentz Dort contributed significantly for the Thunder, while Amen Thompson led a balanced Rockets attack with 19 points. The Thunder and Rockets, both strong contenders in the Western Conference, showcased a potential playoff preview. Meanwhile, Rockets' Fred VanVleet continued his struggles from beyond the arc, making only 1 of 11 three-point attempts. The Thunder and Rockets will return to regular season play on Thursday against Orlando and New Orleans, respectively.