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Giannis Named MVP for 2024 NBA Cup Bracket as Bucks Win Championship vs. SGA, Thunder

Dec 18, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game on December 17, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game on December 17, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty Images)

Giannis Antetokounmpo keeps adding to his trophy case.

The Milwaukee Bucks superstar was named the NBA Cup MVP after leading his team to a 97-81 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the championship round on Tuesday night.

The Greek Freak was in rare form, notching a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists to go along with three blocks and two steals, dominating the game on both ends of the floor.

Damian Lillard added 23 points and four assists for the Bucks, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 21 points in the losing effort.

It was a statement victory for both Giannis and the Bucks as Milwaukee continues to look like a force after a 2-8 start to the season:

A year ago, the Bucks lost in the NBA Cup semifinals to the Indiana Pacers, part of a disappointing overall season that ended with a first-round exit against the Pacers.

There were serious concerns after the team's slow start this year as well, though the Bucks have now won 12 of its last 17 games in the regular season and claimed Tuesday's NBA Cup.

Lillard told ESPN's Jamal Collier on Friday that Antetokounmpo, in particular, kept pushing the Bucks forward through those early struggles.

"I would be texting with Giannis, and we'd be talking at practice or whatever, his mind was never shut off," he said. "He was never discouraged. He was never overly concerned. It was always, fight. Our conversations had always been, like, we're going to turn it around. We're going to figure it out. We're going to lead. We've got to keep going. We've got to dominate. I wasn't overly concerned because I knew that eventually it would turn around just based off of that."

On Tuesday, Antetokounmpo made sure that he, and the Bucks, kept dominating.

Bucks' Doc Rivers on NBA Cup: You Don't Get This Experience During the Regular Season

Dec 16, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Malika Andrews of ESPN speaks with Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks during practice and media availability as part of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup on December 16, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Malika Andrews of ESPN speaks with Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks during practice and media availability as part of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup on December 16, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Ahead of the NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday, where the Milwaukee Bucks will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, first-year Bucks head coach Doc Rivers shared his enthusiasm for the in-season tournament.

"There (are) things you learn. I just can't tell you what they are, but you don't get to get this experience during the regular season," Rivers told ESPN's Malika Andrews (2:36 in video). "This will help us, this will help Oklahoma, Atlanta, Houston... everybody that was here it's going to help us later."

The 14-11 Milwaukee Bucks secured a 110-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday to clinch their spot in the NBA Cup Championship. Rivers expressed his excitement about the opportunity, highlighting the positive impact the game could have on the team.

"This cup, I liked it last year as a broadcaster, I love it more as a coach," Rivers said "I think it's good for our league."

The NBA Cup has received widespread praise since its introduction last season for creating a playoff-like atmosphere early in the year and helping teams prepare for the intensity of the real-deal in June.

The matchup between the Thunder and Bucks will feature an early showdown between two MVP frontrunners: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Adding to the excitement, each player on the winning team will take home a $500,000 prize.

Antetokounmpo echoed Rivers' sentiments, emphasizing that every big win in the league can create a domino effect, setting the stage for future success.

"I think when you approach the game that way, things like being in the NBA Cup final and winning the Championship just fall into place," Antetokounmpo told reporters.

Giannis: Bucks Need to 'Stay Locked in' Entering NBA Cup Finals vs. SGA, Thunder

Dec 15, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 14: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on after the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Emirates NBA Cup Eastern Semifinals on December 14, 2024 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 14: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on after the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Emirates NBA Cup Eastern Semifinals on December 14, 2024 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

The stage is set for the NBA Cup Finals and Giannis Antetokounmpo understands the task ahead.

His Milwaukee Bucks secured a 110-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks Saturday to advance to the championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After securing the spot in the final, Antetokounmpo said his team needs to lock in and get it done.

"The only thing that matters right here is to get a win, and that's the message within our team right now," Antetokounmpo said, per Jamal Collier of ESPN. "Everybody got to stay locked in. Everybody got to stay locked in; the job's not done."

Antetokounmpo scored 32 points with 14 rebounds and nine assists while shooting 10-of-15 on field goals. Damian Lillard also had a strong day, scoring 25 points and adding seven assists, six rebounds and three steals.

The Bucks secure their first trip to the tournament championship and will contend for more than $500,000 that goes to each player on the winning team.

The Thunder clinched their spot via a 111-96 victory over the Houston Rockets. It's also their first trip to the championship game as the Los Angeles Lakers took home the inaugural title after defeating the Indiana Pacers in the final game last year.

For a Bucks team that is currently 14-11, earning a key victory in the in-season tournament could be a major momentum boost.

The Championship Game is set for Dec. 17 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Giannis, Bucks Excite Fans, Clinch NBA Cup Finals Berth in Win vs. Trae Young, Hawks

Dec 15, 2024

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are headed to the 2024 NBA Cup Finals.

The star duo combined for 57 points on Saturday night to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 110-102 NBA Cup semifinal victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Bucks will take on either the Houston Rockets or Oklahoma City Thunder for the in-season tournament title next week.

Milwaukee led at the half on Saturday night, but a big third quarter by Hawks guard Trae Young left the Bucks trailing by one point heading into the fourth.

The Bucks stormed back to regain the lead in the final 15 minutes, then held on to the advantage thanks to strong defense from Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo finished out the win leading the Bucks with 32 points and 14 rebounds, while adding nine assists and four blocks.

The victory marked the fifth straight game during which Antetokounmpo has contributed at least 30 points. He also topped 10 rebounds in four of those five outings.

Lillard meanwhile contributed 25 bounds, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals while stepping up in the fourth quarter to help the Bucks seal the win.

Young led the Hawks in the loss with a game-high 35 points while adding ten rebounds.

The outing marked his 83rd career game with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, the fifth most in NBA history, according to Hawks PR.

There are three teams left in NBA Cup contention following the Hawks' elimination. The Rockets and Thunder tip off their own semifinal game at 8:30 p.m. ET.

An in-season title will be on the line when Antetokounmpo, Lillard and the Bucks return to face one of those two opponents in the NBA Cup Final next Tuesday.

Giannis, Dame Wow Fans as Doc Rivers' Bucks Beat Magic, Advance to NBA Cup Semifinals

Dec 11, 2024

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are two wins away from the 2024 NBA Cup.

Milwaukee defeated the Orlando Magic 114-109 in Tuesday's dramatic NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup at Fiserv Forum. It improved to 13-11 overall with a second straight win and will face the victor of Wednesday's game between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks in the semifinals in Las Vegas.

Antetokounmpo was unstoppable and finished with 37 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and two steals behind 15-of-24 shooting from the field, but it was Damian Lillard who took over in crunch time.

He drilled a three to tie it with 52 seconds left and then gave the Bucks the lead for good with a driving layup with 32 seconds remaining. He finished with 28 points and nine assists, while Bobby Portis also played well in a secondary role with 22 points and 10 boards off the bench.

As for the Magic, they fell to 17-10 despite an impressive effort from Jalen Suggs. With many of his teammates sidelined by injury, he scored 10 straight points for the visitors down the stretch and ended with 32 points, nine rebounds and four steals.

Yet he couldn't overcome the combined effort from Antetokounmpo and Lillard, who drew plenty of reaction from social media:

https://twitter.com/214to830/status/1866673298211258518
https://twitter.com/namipapii/status/1866673406026166496

On paper, this looked to be a relatively straightforward win for the Bucks.

After all, they were home and going against a Magic squad that was missing Paolo Banchero (oblique), Franz Wagner (oblique), Gary Harris (hamstring) and Jonathan Isaac (hamstring). What's more, they entered the game at 10-3 in their last 13 following a difficult 2-8 start to the season and had no shortage of momentum.

However, Orlando was up for the challenge out of the gates and built a double-digit lead in the second quarter with Moritz Wagner and Anthony Black providing a spark off the bench. Yet the Bucks had the star power in Antetokounmpo, and he took over for extended stretches before his alley-oop dunk gave the home team a 60-59 halftime lead.

The Magic didn't have any answers for the eight-time All-Star with Isaac's rim protection missing, which was clear when he unleashed a monster dunk in the third quarter after driving through seemingly the opposition's entire roster.

It was something of a revenge dunk on Goga Bitadze after the Magic big man dunked over him earlier in the game. But it wasn't just the slams, as Antetokounmpo hit a spinning turnaround with feathery touch and swatted shots on the other end.

To Orlando's credit, it didn't go away and closed the gap during the fourth quarter when Antetokounmpo was on the bench. That set the stage for a dramatic finish, and it seemed like Suggs was going to push his team to victory with his scoring spurt.

Still, it was Dame Time in Milwaukee when it mattered most, and the Bucks advanced as a result.

Bucks' Khris Middleton: Ankle Injury Rehab the 'Hardest,' Had to Avoid 'Dark Tunnel'

Dec 6, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 26: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks attempts a shot in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 26: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks attempts a shot in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, who has missed the entire season as he recovers from offseason arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles, spoke about the physical and mental challenges and tolls of the rehab process.

"I think this one was definitely the hardest for me, just because I had two surgeries," Middleton said Friday, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "I was trying to be balanced on both feet, and not compensate for anything because that could lead to another issue.

"So I would say this was definitely the hardest thing to come back from, to just mentally, physically feel fine, feel fit, feel ready, feel confident in everything I have to do out there."

Middleton spoke about avoiding the trap of falling into a "dark tunnel" during rehab and doing his best to put himself in a "good spot" mentally for the return.

"Just not trying to get into a dark tunnel," Middleton said after being asked about his rehab approach, per Bontemps.

"Having as many surgeries as I have, coming back from this one, I wanted to make sure I was all the way ready to come back, be as fresh as I can mentally to be in a good spot because this is a long, grueling season. I'm going to go through a lot of things during the season, going to get hit, banged up, whatever, to have that mindset that I can still fight through and to keep going."

The three-time All-Star has played 12 NBA seasons. The 33-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds last year.

Middleton has dealt with an assortment of ailments in the past and especially in recent years. An MCL sprain suffered in the first round of the 2022 playoffs sidelined him for the remainder of the playoffs.

During the summer of 2022, Middleton underwent surgery for a torn ligament in his left wrist, and he missed the first 20 games of the 2022-23 season. Right knee soreness also kept Middleton out for 18 straight games from Dec. 17-Jan. 21.

Last season, Middleton missed 16 straight games with a left ankle sprain.

So Middleton has dealt with plenty of adversity over the past few years as he cycles between rehabbing and playing, with the current absence being the latest example.

Thankfully, Middleton is back in the mix as he makes his 2024-25 season debut Friday at the Boston Celtics after sitting 21 games. He rejoins a Bucks team that started 2-8 but has since rebounded to 11-10 as it surges up the standings. Friday also marks a big game for Milwaukee against the defending champion C's, who are 18-4 this year. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Giannis Says He's Eyeing 3rd NBA MVP Award with Bucks: 'Might Put Tears in My Eyes'

Dec 6, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on December 04, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on December 04, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

In the midst of arguably the best start to a season in his already stellar career, Giannis Antetokounmpo has his sights set on winning a third MVP award.

Speaking to Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar admitted winning another MVP "definitely might put tears in my eyes" if it were to happen.

"I do want to be part of that conversation," he added. "It lets me know I was able to help my team, carry my team, solidified [us as a team]. I'm not gonna lie, it definitely means something to me."

As recently as two weeks ago, the idea of Antetokounmpo being a strong factor in the MVP race seemed far-fetched through no fault of his own. He has been playing at an elite level all season, but the Bucks lost eight of their first 10 games and were 4-9 after a Nov. 16 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

Following that loss, though, the Bucks went on a seven-game winning streak that moved them over .500. Their streak came to an end on Wednesday with a 119-104 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but they are still fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Antetokounmpo is currently leading the NBA in scoring average with a career-high 32.6 points per game on 61.6 percent shooting. He ranks sixth in rebounds (11.6) and 15th in assists (6.6).

The biggest feather Antetokounmpo hat is his dominance in the paint and transition.

Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Karl-Anthony Towns are the only other players in the NBA averaging at least 25 points per game and shooting at least 50 percent from the field.

The biggest challenger to Antetokounmpo in the MVP race at this point is Jokić. Already a three-time MVP winner, Jokić has somehow taken his game to another level. He is averaging a triple-double with 29.9 points, 13.4 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game.

If the race remains close between those two over the course of the entire season, the deciding factor could end up being team standings. They have virtually the same record, with the Nuggets at 11-9 entering Friday.

Thanks to the overall mediocrity of the Eastern Conference, the Bucks are a playoff team as things stand right now. The Nuggets are percentage points ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers (12-10) for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

Another MVP award would put Antetokounmpo in rarified air. Only nine players in NBA history have won MVP at least three times.

Giannis Trade Rumors: Bucks Tell Teams 'They're Living in a Fantasy World' on Calls

Dec 5, 2024
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks plays against the Detroit Pistons in a NBA Cup game at Little Caesars Arena on December 03, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks plays against the Detroit Pistons in a NBA Cup game at Little Caesars Arena on December 03, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly paid no mind to trade calls regarding superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo amid their 2-8 start to the 2024-25 NBA season.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, teams inquired about Antetokounmpo's availability while Milwaukee was struggling, but the Bucks essentially told those teams they were "living in a fantasy world" if they thought they would be able to acquire the two-time NBA MVP.

The decision to hold onto Giannis has proved to be a good one, as the Bucks have won nine of their past 11 games, putting their seasonal record at 11-10.

That mark is good enough for fifth place in the Eastern Conference, meaning they are right back in the thick of the playoff race and are positioning themselves for a potential deep postseason run.

Antetokounmpo has undoubtedly been the biggest driving force behind the Bucks' resurgence, as he is putting up MVP-caliber numbers with a league-leading 32.6 points per game on 61.6 percent shooting to go along with 11.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.3 blocks.

Giannis, who will turn 30 on Friday, has long been one of the best and most complete players in the NBA as evidenced by his eight All-Star selections, one NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and one NBA Finals MVP Award from when he led the Bucks to a title in 2021.

Prior to Milwaukee winning a championship, there were rumors and speculation regarding Giannis testing free agency, but he signed a five-year, $228.2 million contract extension in 2020.

He then doubled down on his commitment to the Bucks by signing a three-year, $175.37 million deal last year.

Antetokounmpo is now under contract with the Bucks through at least 2027, and while the continuation of their bad start could have potentially compelled Giannis to ask for a trade, every indication is that Milwaukee never had any interest in moving him.

NBA Rumors: Bucks' Khris Middleton to Make Season Debut vs. Celtics After Injuries

Dec 5, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 02: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game six of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 02, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 02: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game six of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 02, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Veteran forward Khris Middleton will make his 2024-25 season debut for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Boston Celtics on Friday, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Middleton began the season on the shelf after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on both of his ankles.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Nov. 20 that Middleton had already been cleared to return to action, but he was ramping up and waiting until he felt "physically ready" to play.

The 33-year-old Middleton is set to embark on his 13th NBA season, and he will join a Bucks team that is among the hottest in the NBA.

Following a highly disappointing 2-8 start, the Bucks have won nine of their past 11 games, putting them at 11-10 overall.

While the Bucks were expected to have a much better record than that out of the gates, it is good enough for fifth place in the top-heavy Eastern Conference.

Middleton is a three-time All-Star, and he was a key part of the Bucks' NBA championship-winning team in 2020-21 when he averaged 23.6 points per game in 23 playoff contests.

After averaging over 20 points per game in four out of five seasons from 2017-18 through 2021-22, Middleton's output has dropped off over the past couple of seasons.

In 2022-23, Middleton was limited to 33 games due to injury, and his 15.1 points per game were his fewest since 2016-17. He also shot a career-worst 43.6 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from beyond the arc, which was his worst mark since his rookie year.

Middleton averaged 15.1 points per game again last season, but he was far more efficient, shooting 49.3 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent from deep. He also was a bit healthier, but still appeared in only 55 games.

Although he may not quite be the same player he once was, Middleton could provide a significant spark to a Bucks team that is now hitting its stride.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up MVP-caliber numbers for Milwaukee with 32.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, while guard Damian Lillard has also starred to the tune of 25.9 points and 7.5 assists per contest.

However, outside of that superstar duo, the Bucks haven't gotten much offensive production from the rest of the lineup.

The only other players on the roster averaging double figures in scoring this season are Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez, who are putting up 12.5 and 11.9 points per game, respectively.

It may take Middleton some time to get back in the swing of things, but once he settles in, he may prove to be the perfect No. 3 scoring option, which is something the Bucks desperately need in order to compete with the likes of the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference.

Damian Lillard Thrills NBA Fans as Doc Rivers' Bucks Win vs. Heat with Giannis Out

Nov 27, 2024
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 26: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat on November 26, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Tilley/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 26: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat on November 26, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Tilley/NBAE via Getty Images)

After a sluggish 4-9 start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks have surged recently and continued the hot streak on Tuesday.

The Bucks beat the Miami Heat 106-103 in the NBA Cup on Tuesday to win their fifth straight game.

Milwaukee was without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a late scratch due to a knee injury, and it looked to co-star Damian Lillard, who delivered 37 points and 12 assists on 10-of-17 from the field and 8-of-13 from deep.

The Bucks led by as much as 22 points thanks to 25 points from Lillard in the first half, but the Heat crawled their way back into the game before ultimately tying things up in the late half. Miami had a chance to take the lead on a shot from Tyler Herro with seconds remaining, but his attempt clanked off the rim with just over a second remaining.

From there, Taurean Prince hit two free throws to make it a three-point game and the Heat's final shot from Terry Rozier missed.

After the game, fans had high praise for Lillard's vintage performance.

https://twitter.com/thesmokedweed5/status/1861587565733675329

Things looked bleak for Milwaukee early this season, but the Bucks have seemingly started to turn the corner. A win over a talented team without Antetokounmpo on the floor is a good sign that Milwaukee is capable of getting back to a championship-caliber level this year.

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