NBA Cup Showdown: Bucks vs. Thunder — Who Will Take Home the Hardware?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing more than just bragging rights as they look to claim the NBA Cup title. Standing in their way? A red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder squad that’s been the class of the Western Conference all season long.
These two powerhouses clash Tuesday night in the second-ever NBA Cup championship, and both sides bring serious momentum into this matchup.
Bucks: Giannis Leading the Charge
Milwaukee punched their ticket to the final with a hard-fought 110-102 victory over Atlanta, powered by another monster performance from Giannis. The Greek Freak went off for 32 points, 14 boards, and 9 assists, just shy of a triple-double. This game marked another step in a massive turnaround for the Bucks, who’ve flipped a 2-8 start into 12 wins over their last 15 games.
- MVP Watch: Giannis is averaging a league-best 32.7 PPG this season, putting him squarely in the MVP conversation.
- Lillard’s X-Factor: Dame Time has arrived in Milwaukee — Damian Lillard is dropping 25.7 PPG and has been clutch in the Bucks’ resurgence.
The Bucks’ experience and star power make them dangerous, but Giannis insists the focus stays on the team, not individual accolades:
“If you sacrifice for the game and play the right way, everything else falls into place.”
Thunder: Hungry to Prove They Belong
OKC comes into this matchup flying high after an 111-96 rout of Houston in the semis. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with a dominant 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, cementing himself as one of the league’s elite.
The Thunder sit atop the West with a 20-5 record, and this young core is ready to make noise. Winning the NBA Cup — especially against a championship-tested Bucks squad — would be a major statement.
- SGA’s MVP Push: Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up 30.3 PPG, 6.3 APG, and 5.5 RPG, keeping him in MVP contention.
- Jalen Williams’ Rise: The third-year forward has been a reliable No. 2 option, averaging 21.7 points and 6.1 boards per game.
- Next Man Up: With Chet Holmgren sidelined, Isaiah Hartenstein has stepped up big, including a 21-point effort in the semis.
For the Thunder, this game is as close to a playoff atmosphere as it gets in December. Jalen Williams acknowledged its importance:
“It’s a great chance to simulate that postseason pressure and grow as a group.”
Betting Breakdown:
- Bucks Advantage: Giannis and Lillard are proven playoff performers with a title under their belts. Their experience could tip the scales in a high-pressure final.
- Thunder’s Edge: OKC’s youthful energy and elite depth have made them a nightmare matchup all season. If SGA stays hot and they control the tempo, the Thunder could pull off the win.
NBA Finals Cup Picks and Predictions:
For this Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Thursday Night NBA Finals Basketball game, I’m rolling with the Thunder -4 Points -125. Also receive Free Premium picks going on the total in this game, Tap Here
