The Milwaukee Bucks claimed the NBA Cup title on Tuesday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in Las Vegas. The Thunder struggled to find answers for the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard duo, but their real issue was their inability to score enough to stay in the game. Oklahoma City managed just 33.7% shooting from the floor and hit only 5-of-32 attempts from beyond the arc. That lack of offensive rhythm sealed their fate against a Bucks team riding high.

For Milwaukee, this win capped off an incredible NBA Cup journey. Let’s not forget they started the season at 1-6 before flipping the script entirely. Now sitting at 14-11, the Bucks have the wind at their backs as 2024 approaches. Securing the NBA Cup feels like the perfect momentum boost for a team that battled through early struggles to hit its stride.

Celebration is in order.

But they couldn’t before the Cup. When asked about the key takeaways for his Bucks team from the NBA Cup in Las Vegas, Doc Rivers replied with a grin, “Playing together. Going in at night—not drinking…”

The comment sparked laughter all around. He added with a chuckle, “I just had to say that. But hey, it’s true.”

Sin City and no alcohol? That’s tough, but all of that doesn’t matter because now they gonna be partying or not as Doc Rivers wants the Bucks to remain alcohol-free.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance helps the Bucks in their turnaround

In Las Vegas, where luck and skill collide, the Bucks lit it up from beyond the arc to claim the NBA Cup with a 97-81 win over the OKC. Their three-point shooting proved unstoppable, and the Thunder couldn’t find an answer.

Giannis dominated the night with a stunning triple-double—26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Lillard wasn’t far behind, dropping 23 points as the Bucks drained 17 shots from deep. Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. chipped in 13 points each, while a decisive 19-5 run in the second half turned a tight game into a runaway victory.

The Thunder couldn’t get their offense going, shooting a cold 34% from the field and managing only 5-of-32 from three. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 21 points, with Jalen Williams adding 18, but their struggles from long range sealed their fate.

For the Bucks, this win was the cherry on top of an incredible turnaround. They started the season 2-8 but have since racked up 13 wins in their last 16 games. Their undefeated run in this year’s NBA Cup (7-0) has them riding high with serious momentum.

And let’s not forget the cash prize: $514,971 for each Buck, while the Thunder players took home $205,988. But for Milwaukee, it’s about more than money—it’s a statement. As Giannis celebrated on the bench late in the game, you could tell this win meant everything.