The Milwaukee Bucks continued their brilliant turnaround to the season by getting their hands on the much sought-after NBA Cup.
The Bucks were up against a high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder side who were tipped by many as the favourites to lift the trophy.
However, thanks to an MVP showing from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who secured another triple-double, and a Dame Lillard special, the Bucks prevailed.
Doc Rivers’ side ran out 97-81 winners in a game that was truly decided in the third quarter with the Bucks outscoring their opponents by 12 points.
The Thunder struggled offensively and the duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (8-24) and Jalen Williams (8-20) struggled to make shots.
Following the game Giannis explained how he wanted to win more with Dame, their friendship is blossoming on and off the court.
Despite their strong showing Bucks coach Rivers explained how the OKC side made things tough for the star players.
Rivers praises OKC’s tough defense
While OKC struggled to find any offensive momentum in the defeat to the Bucks, they did learn some key lessons according to head coach Mark Daigneault.
One thing they cannot be upset with is their effort on the defensive side of the court. Keeping the Bucks’ powerful offense to just 97 points is usually enough to win most games.
Giannis and Dame put up 49 points between them, over half of the Bucks total, but it wasn’t easy for the shining lights Rivers explained.
Speaking to the media, he said: “That’s an excellent defensive team and they forced Giannis and Dame to pass the ball, and they did that.
“Then they passed it so much they stopped helping it, and then those two got to work.
“I think this game is a great teacher for us that there is different ways to win.”
Giannis and Lillard’s impressive season numbers
The Bucks’ turnaround this season has been nothing short of monumental considering their 2-8 start which left many scratching their heads.
Since then they have won 13 of their last 16 games and the pairing of Giannis and Dame has played a huge part in that.
Giannis is currently on course for his best points-scoring season yet averaging 32.7 points per game alongside 11.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
Lillard is close to reaching his best-ever assist average of 5.8, which amazingly came in his rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
He’s averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists so far this season.
If this Bucks pair continue to drop these numbers throughout the season they have a great chance of pairing a championship ring with their NBA Cup title.
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