Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant performance, tallying 32 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the Atlanta Hawks, 110-102, on Saturday night. With the victory, the Bucks advanced to the NBA Cup championship game, where they’ll face the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder-Houston Rockets semifinal.
Antetokounmpo was unstoppable, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and adding 12-of-18 from the free-throw line. His all-around effort set the tone for the Bucks, including a critical block on a Clint Capela alley-oop attempt late in the fourth quarter that protected a slim five-point lead and shifted momentum firmly in the Bucks’ favor. Damian Lillard added 25 points, while Brook Lopez chipped in with 16 to help secure Milwaukee’s spot in Tuesday’s final.
The game was tightly contested through three quarters, with Atlanta leading 83-82 entering the fourth. The Bucks, who had lost 20 straight games when trailing at the start of the final period going back to last season, broke that streak with a decisive fourth-quarter push. Antetokounmpo and Lillard combined for key baskets down the stretch, while Bobby Portis contributed 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench to provide a much-needed spark.
Trae Young carried the Hawks with a spectacular 35-point, 10-assist, and seven-rebound performance, drawing a season-high 11 fouls as he attacked the Bucks’ defense relentlessly. Jalen Johnson added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and De’Andre Hunter scored 15, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Milwaukee’s balanced attack.
Milwaukee’s defense proved to be the difference in the final moments. Alongside Antetokounmpo’s block on Capela, the Bucks forced a series of tough shots and turnovers that sealed the outcome. The victory improved Milwaukee’s all-time record in NBA Cup games to 11-1, with their lone loss coming in last year’s semifinals.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will now prepare for the championship game on Tuesday before resuming regular-season play against Cleveland on Friday. The Hawks, whose scrappy play made them one of the surprise teams of the tournament, will return to action on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: A+
Stats: 32 PTS, 14 REB, 9 AST, 1 STL, 4 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 10-15 FG, 0-0 3PT, 12-18 FT, +3 +/-, 38 MIN
Giannis was the driving force behind Milwaukee’s victory, showcasing his two-way dominance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks. His efficiency (10-of-15 shooting) and relentless aggression at the free-throw line (12-of-18) kept the Bucks afloat in a tightly contested game. His critical block on Clint Capela late in the fourth quarter not only preserved a slim lead but also shifted momentum in Milwaukee’s favor. Giannis’ all-around effort exemplified leadership and was instrumental in breaking the Bucks’ losing streak in games where they trailed entering the fourth quarter.
Damian Lillard: A
Stats: 25 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, 8-21 FG, 5-14 3PT, 4-5 FT, +5 +/-, 37 MIN
Damian Lillard provided crucial scoring and playmaking support, finishing with 25 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Despite an inefficient shooting night (8-of-21 from the field and 5-of-14 from three), Lillard’s timely baskets and three steals were pivotal in Milwaukee’s decisive fourth-quarter surge. His poise and ability to complement Giannis in clutch moments underlined why the Bucks acquired him as their second superstar.
Brook Lopez: B-
Stats: 16 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 7-10 FG, 2-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, +21 +/-, 33 MIN
Brook Lopez had a solid outing, contributing 16 points on efficient shooting (7-of-10) and playing a key role in protecting the rim with two blocks. While his rebounding (just three boards) was below his usual standard, his spacing and defensive presence helped the Bucks control the paint and seal the victory.
Bobby Portis: B-
Stats: 10 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 5-10 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -5 +/-, 23 MIN
Bobby Portis provided a valuable spark off the bench with 10 points and nine rebounds, giving the Bucks much-needed energy in key moments. Though his plus-minus was negative (-5), his physicality and hustle in 23 minutes were essential to maintaining Milwaukee’s balance and depth against Atlanta’s strong frontcourt.
AJ Green: C+
Stats: 9 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 6 PF, 3-6 FG, 3-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, +6 +/-, 19 MIN
AJ Green made the most of his limited role, scoring nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. While his defensive presence was limited, his sharpshooting helped stretch the floor and provided timely scoring, keeping the Bucks competitive during stretches where their offense stagnated.
Andre Jackson Jr.: C+
Stats: 5 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 2-4 FG, 1-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, +1 +/-, 25 MIN
Jackson contributed across multiple facets with five points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 25 minutes. His versatility and energy on both ends were useful, though his four fouls and relatively quiet offensive output limited his overall impact.
Taurean Prince: C
Stats: 6 PTS, 3 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 2-8 FG, 2-7 3PT, 0-0 FT, +6 +/-, 20 MIN
Taurean Prince struggled offensively, managing just six points on 2-of-8 shooting and missing key open looks. While his defense and hustle were adequate, his inability to capitalize on his opportunities hindered Milwaukee’s bench production. However, his +6 plus-minus indicated his defensive contributions.
Khris Middleton: C
Stats: 6 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 5 PF, 2-7 FG, 1-5 3PT, 1-2 FT, -5 +/-, 22 MIN
Khris Middleton had a subpar night, scoring six points on 2-of-7 shooting with three turnovers. While he contributed four assists and played solid defense with a block and a steal, foul trouble (five fouls) and inefficiency limited his overall impact in a game where the Bucks needed more from their veteran forward.
Gary Trent Jr.: C
Stats: 1 PTS, 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 0-5 FG, 0-4 3PT, 1-2 FT, +8 +/-, 22 MIN
Trent had a quiet night, scoring just one point on 0-of-5 shooting. While he managed to stay active defensively and recorded a +8 plus-minus, his offensive struggles and lack of impact on playmaking made him a non-factor in this game.
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