Giannis Antetokounmpo: Nigerian Freak bags triple-double, MVP as Bucks beat Thunder to win 2024 NBA Cup

The Milwaukee Bucks won the second-annual NBA Cup in Las Vegas defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81.

With a triple-double of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, Giannis Antetokounmpo had an outstanding effort. Damian Lillard made five three-pointers and contributed 23 points.

After a hotly contested first half, Milwaukee led 51-50, and the excitement was palpable as the Bucks and Thunder squared off in a game that felt like a championship matchup.

A crucial element turned out to be three-point shooting, as the Bucks had a higher success percentage when shooting from beyond the arc.

With 23 points and five of ten long-range shots, star guard Damian Lillard helped Antetokounmpo win the tournament MVP award.

Gary Trent Jr. was the bench standout with 13 points on 3 of 6 3-point attempts, while Brook Lopez was the only starter to score in double figures with 13.

After being undefeated as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers the previous season, assistant coach Darvin Ham likewise avoided a loss as Milwaukee finished the tournament unblemished.

Oklahoma City had a terrible night with a shooting percentage of 33.7% overall and only 15.6% from long range.

Despite taking 24 shots, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring department with 21 points.

The next-highest scorer, Jalen Williams, took 20 shots but scored 18 points.

With 16 points and 12 rebounds on 6 of 11 shooting, Isaiah Hartenstein maintained his form.

Milwaukee players are expected to receive somewhat more than $500,000 for the victory while for players for Oklahoma City, the figure drops to roughly $200,000.