Milwaukee's victory marks their return to the semifinals of the NBA Cup, having previously lost in the finals last year to the Indiana Pacers. This year, they aim to reach the final again, showcasing their consistency in this competition.
Oklahoma City's win over Dallas serves as a redemption after their playoff exit last year, highlighting the growth of their team and the impact of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a leading scorer.
The performance of both teams in the quarterfinals emphasizes the importance of star players in high-stakes games, with Antetokounmpo and Gilgeous-Alexander stepping up when it mattered most.
The semifinals are set to be highly competitive, with the Bucks facing the winner of the New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks matchup, while the Thunder await their opponent from the other side of the bracket.
Given their current form, the Bucks and Thunder are both strong contenders for the NBA Cup title, and their performances in the semifinals will be crucial in determining the final matchup.
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder have advanced to the semifinals of the NBA Cup following their quarterfinal victories. The Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic 114-109, while the Thunder triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks 118-104. Both teams showcased strong performances, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal round in Las Vegas.
In the Bucks vs. Magic matchup, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo led the scoring with 39 points, supported by Damian Lillard's crucial late-game contributions. Despite a strong effort from Orlando's Jalen Suggs, who scored 32 points, the Bucks managed to secure the win in a tightly contested game.
Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer against Dallas, scoring 39 points and effectively neutralizing Mavericks star Luka Dončić, who struggled throughout the game. The Thunder's defense played a pivotal role in their victory, particularly in the third quarter where they outscored Dallas 33-19, ultimately sealing the game.
