LAS VEGAS In the first of two consecutive NBA Cup semifinal games being played in Las Vegas, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 on Saturday to progress to the NBA Cup finals.
Damian Lillard contributed 25 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. A game prior to the final, the Indiana Pacers defeated Milwaukee, retaliating for their defeat in the previous year’s semifinals.
Regarding his team’s strategy for the Cup, coach Doc Rivers stated, “Accept the challenge, that’s all I’ve been talking about.” We discussed how we tend to shy away from obstacles, so let’s accept that. Let’s make our name known. We will make an effort to win it; if we are unsuccessful, we will not be able to win it. However, there is nothing wrong with stating your desire to win something; if you succeed, fantastic; if not, at least you made an effort.
The game on Saturday was a back-and-forth match between two of the East’s most competitive teams. The Hawks had won seven of their previous eight games going into the matchup, while Milwaukee had won ten of its previous thirteen.
During the first three quarters, the teams switched leads. The Hawks were ahead one before the fourth, Atlanta was ahead two after the first, and the Bucks were ahead six at the half.
But in the closing minutes, Milwaukee was the superior squad. With four minutes and thirty-two seconds remaining, a free throw by De’Andre Hunter put the Bucks ahead 98-96. Milwaukee then went on a 12-6 run, particularly to tighten their defense.
Antetokounmpo’s block of a lob ball that would have reduced his team’s advantage to three was the night’s standout performance.
For the Bucks, the three-point line also had a significant impact. Atlanta enjoyed an advantage in free throws, but the two teams were tied in points in the paint and turnovers. However, Milwaukee made four more three-pointers and tried 21 more than the Hawks in their narrow victory of eight points.
The Bucks, who began the season 4-9, including a six-game losing streak after winning their opening game, have made a strong comeback with the Cup championship berth. Rivers stated that he anticipated the current improvement from his team, which is heavily reliant on veterans.
Listen, I believe that many people outside of Milwaukee were wondering, “What’s going on?” “Rivers said.” I doubt that anyone inside had that thought. I should emphasize that we assumed that it is now, but we still have a long way to go. We simply thought that it would click and that it would happen.
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