Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a masterful triple-double, finishing with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, as the Milwaukee Bucks captured the NBA Cup title with a commanding 97-81 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. Damian Lillard added 23 points, while the Bucks showcased their long-range prowess by draining 17 three-pointers to Oklahoma City’s five, ultimately outscoring them 51-15 from beyond the arc.
Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. chipped in 13 points apiece for Milwaukee, which used a decisive 19-5 run in the second half to transform a close game into a 19-point lead early in the fourth quarter. The Bucks never relinquished control, closing out the tournament in style and joining the Los Angeles Lakers as the only NBA Cup champions in the competition’s brief two-year history.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points, and Jalen Williams contributed 18. Despite consistent offensive output throughout the season, Oklahoma City struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 34% from the field and falling short of the 99-point mark for the first time this year. Isaiah Hartenstein provided some interior presence with 16 points and 12 rebounds, but the Thunder were unable to keep pace with Milwaukee’s efficient and physical play.
While the statistics and result don’t count toward the regular season standings, the Bucks treated the game as a major milestone. Their aggressive play throughout the tournament highlighted their determination to make the NBA Cup a priority. Giannis pumped his fists as Milwaukee emptied the bench late in the game, relishing the celebratory atmosphere akin to a championship moment.
The Bucks, who began the season with a sluggish 2-8 start, have now won 13 of their last 16 games, including a perfect 7-0 record in this year’s in-season tournament. Even without Khris Middleton, they demonstrated their depth and dominance, improving to an NBA-best 12-1 all-time in NBA Cup games.
For the Thunder, the game exposed rare vulnerabilities, as they trailed by as many as 20 points, an uncommon position for a team that has largely dictated games this season. A pivotal moment came in the third quarter when emotions boiled over during a scramble for a loose ball. Lu Dort and head coach Mark Daigneault were each assessed technical fouls, giving Damian Lillard a five-point swing with two technical free throws and a three-pointer that extended Milwaukee’s lead.
The Bucks’ physicality and sharpshooting were key in this statement victory, and following their impressive win, let’s grade the players for their excellent performances tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: A+
Stats:Â 26 PTS, 19 REB, 10 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK, 4 TO, 3 PF, 10-19 FG, 0-0 3PT, 6-11 FT, +14, 37 MIN
Giannis was dominant on both ends of the floor, delivering a masterful triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists while adding stellar defense with two steals and three blocks. He was efficient from the field (10-19 FG) and dictated the pace of the game, showcasing his ability to control the paint and create opportunities for teammates. Despite four turnovers, his physical presence and energy lifted Milwaukee to victory and he was awarded the tournament MVP trophy.Â
Damian Lillard: A-
Stats: 23 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 2 PF, 6-12 FG, 5-10 3PT, 6-7 FT, +15, 35 MIN
Damian Lillard provided a much-needed scoring punch, finishing with 23 points, including 5-10 from beyond the arc. His clutch five-point swing in the third quarter was pivotal in extending Milwaukee’s lead. Although he had four turnovers, his efficient shooting (6-12 FG, 6-7 FT) and ability to step up in critical moments complemented Giannis perfectly.
Brook Lopez: B+
Stats:Â 13 PTS, 9 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 5-12 FG, 3-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, +13, 37 MIN
Brook Lopez was a steady contributor on both ends, adding 13 points and nine rebounds. He provided interior defense with a block and perimeter spacing by hitting three triples. While his shooting (5-12 FG) was slightly inconsistent, his veteran presence and ability to stretch the floor were key to Milwaukee’s success.
Gary Trent Jr.: B
Stats: 13 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 5-9 FG, 3-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, +8, 21 MIN
Trent brought reliable scoring off the bench with 13 points on efficient shooting (5-9 FG, 3-6 3PT). He contributed a steal and played solid perimeter defense, helping limit the Thunder’s outside shooting. While he didn’t stuff the stat sheet, his three-point shooting was critical to the Bucks’ dominant performance from deep.
AJ Green: C+
Stats: 9 PTS, 1 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 2 PF, 3-5 FG, 3-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, +10, 26 MIN
Green chipped in nine points with a perfect 3-5 from beyond the arc, showcasing his value as a spot-up shooter. However, three turnovers and limited impact outside of scoring kept his contribution modest. He provided a spark but didn’t stand out defensively.
Bobby Portis: C+
Stats: 5 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 3 PF, 2-9 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +13, 19 MIN
Bobby Portis grabbed nine rebounds and dished three assists, but his scoring was inefficient (2-9 FG). His energy on the boards and physicality were valuable, but his struggles offensively and three turnovers limited his overall impact.
Taurean Prince: C+
Stats: 6 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 2-6 FG, 2-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, +10, 21 MIN
Prince hit two timely three-pointers and added six points, two rebounds, and two assists in 21 minutes. His effort and spacing were helpful, but his overall impact was limited due to low involvement in the offense and average defense.
Andre Jackson Jr.: C
Stats: 2 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 1-6 FG, 0-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +12, 26 MIN
Jackson struggled offensively, shooting just 1-6 from the field and 0-4 from three, finishing with two points. However, he contributed three rebounds and an assist, staying active defensively. His limited scoring output hindered his effectiveness.
Pat Connaughton: C
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, +1, 13 MIN
Pat Connaughton was largely invisible in his 13 minutes, failing to score and recording just one assist. While he didn’t make mistakes, his inability to impact the game offensively or defensively made his performance forgettable.
MarJon Beauchamp: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 2 MIN
Beauchamp played only two minutes and did not record any statistical contributions besides a -4 plus-minus rating. His limited time on the court gave him no opportunity to impact the game meaningfully.
Chris Livingston: N/A
Stats:Â 0 PTS, 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 2 MIN
Livingston grabbed one rebound in two minutes of action but otherwise had a quiet performance, finishing with a -4 plus-minus. His brief stint showcased his effort on the glass but left little room for further evaluation.
Tyler Smith: N/A
Stats:Â 0 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 2 MIN
Smith’s only statistical contribution in his two-minute appearance was a personal foul. Like his fellow reserves, he didn’t have enough time on the court to influence the outcome or showcase his abilities, ending with a -4 plus-minus.
AJ Johnson: N/A
Stats:Â 0 PTS, 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-2 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 2 MIN
Johnson managed to grab one rebound in two minutes but missed both of his shot attempts. While his hustle on the boards was notable, his offensive struggles and a -4 plus-minus reflected his limited impact in a game already decided.
