Giannis Antetokounmpo Shines as Bucks Secure Spot in NBA Cup Final
LAS VEGAS — The Milwaukee Bucks are heading to the NBA Cup championship game, and they have their superstar duo to thank for it. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a jaw-dropping performance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks, while Damian Lillard added 25 points to help the Bucks defeat the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 on Saturday night. The win not only secured Milwaukee’s spot in Tuesday’s championship game but also showcased why this team is a force to be reckoned with.
Antetokounmpo was just one assist shy of a triple-double, and his dominance on both ends of the floor was on full display. The Bucks improved to an impressive 11-1 all-time in NBA Cup games, with their only loss coming in last year’s semifinals. This time, they weren’t about to let history repeat itself.
Adding to the Bucks’ firepower, Brook Lopez chipped in 16 points, while Bobby Portis came off the bench to contribute 10 points and nine rebounds in just 23 minutes. It was a total team effort, but there’s no denying that Giannis was the engine driving this victory.
Trae Young’s Heroics Not Enough for Hawks
On the other side, the Hawks put up a valiant fight, led by Trae Young, who poured in 35 points, dished out 10 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds. Young was relentless, drawing a season-high 11 fouls in the game. For context, he’s drawn at least 10 fouls in a game 52 times since entering the league, while every other Hawk combined has done it just once in that span. Talk about carrying the load!
Jalen Johnson added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while De’Andre Hunter also scored 15 points. Despite their efforts, the Hawks couldn’t overcome the Bucks’ firepower, especially in the clutch moments of the game.
Key Takeaways
- Hawks: Trae Young’s ability to draw fouls continues to be a game-changer. The Hawks have won both games this season where he drew 10 fouls, but Saturday’s loss showed that even his brilliance has its limits without enough support.
- Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo was unstoppable, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 12-of-18 from the free-throw line. Bobby Portis once again proved why he’s one of the best bench players in the league, providing a crucial spark in limited minutes.
Key Moment
With just 2:35 left in the game and the Bucks clinging to a five-point lead, Antetokounmpo delivered a highlight-reel play that might as well have been the dagger. He blocked an alley-oop dunk attempt by Clint Capela at the rim, sending a clear message that the Bucks weren’t going to let this one slip away. It was the kind of defensive play that only a player of Giannis’ caliber can make, and it completely shifted the momentum in Milwaukee’s favor.
Key Stat
Here’s a stat that underscores just how significant this win was for Milwaukee: Going back to last season, including the playoffs, the Bucks had lost 20 consecutive games when trailing entering the fourth quarter. On Saturday, they trailed 83-82 heading into the final frame but managed to flip the script and secure the victory. That’s the kind of resilience championship teams are made of.
What’s Next?
The Bucks will now face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Houston Rockets in Tuesday’s NBA Cup championship game. After that, they’ll return to regular-season action on Friday with a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for the Hawks, they’ll look to regroup when they resume regular-season play on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.
With the NBA Cup championship game on the horizon, all eyes will be on Giannis and the Bucks to see if they can bring home the trophy. If Saturday’s performance was any indication, they’re more than ready for the challenge.
Originally Written by: Tim Reynolds
