This is how the victories of the Bucks and Thunder were, which have earned them a spot in the final of the 2024 NBA Cup

Diego Jiménez Rubio | Sun, 12/15/2024 - 08:58

Victory of Thunder in NBA Cup 2024. Photo: gettyimages

Stars at a higher level, spectacular team cohesion, champion intangibles, and a sublime show. All of that is what Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder offered, capable of securing their ticket to the final of the NBA Cup 2024 after defeating the Hawks and the Rockets, respectively. Let's review in detail both matches.

They started as clear favorites and have proven their status. Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder showed how important it is to have shining stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, decisive in the NBA Cup 2024 semifinals where their talent brought an extra level of quality to their teams. They will face each other in the grand final this week, full of confidence and aware that this game can serve as an excellent test for the playoffs.

- Antetokounmpo, settled in excellence

Atlanta Hawks kept the game close until almost the end but eventually succumbed to the authority of an Antetokounmpo who fell just one assist short of a triple-double and unleashed his full potential at the critical moment. They won 110-102 with a great performance by Lillard, who scored 25 points and confirmed his rising trend.

Giannis last five games:

32 PTS | 14 REB
37 PTS | 7 REB
34 PTS | 11 REB
30 PTS | 11 REB
31 PTS | 11 REB

How many players are better right now? pic.twitter.com/coOlTUmXZM
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 15, 2024

- Gilgeous-Alexander proves he belongs to the NBA elite

An amazing performance by the Thunder's point guard, with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading a team where Hartenstein stood out remarkably, a key piece for his team, as evidenced by the fact that victories pile up whenever he competes. The fantastic collective defense completely threw off the Rockets, who ended with poor percentages and paid for their lack of experience in these situations. The final score was 111-96.

Shai tonight:

32 PTS
8 REB
6 AST
5 STL
14-15 FT

Led the Thunder in points, assists, and steals in the semis. pic.twitter.com/0PJPi1wVhq
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 15, 2024