In a thrilling showdown that highlighted the modern NBA’s emphasis on three-point shooting, the Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup final, clinching the championship with a decisive 97-81 win. The Bucks’ performance was characterized by their remarkable proficiency from beyond the arc, a critical factor that ultimately dictated the outcome of the game.

On Tuesday night, the Bucks showcased their shooting prowess, outscoring the Thunder by a staggering 51-15 from three-point range. Milwaukee converted 17 of their 40 attempts, achieving an impressive shooting percentage of 42.5%. In stark contrast, Oklahoma City struggled significantly, managing to hit only five of their 32 three-point shots, resulting in a dismal 15.6% success rate.

At the heart of the Bucks’ victory was two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who delivered a stellar performance with a triple-double. Antetokounmpo recorded 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, demonstrating his all-around game and pivotal role in the Bucks’ success. Additionally, Damian Lillard contributed significantly with 23 points, further solidifying Milwaukee’s offensive dominance.

The Bucks’ victory marks a significant turnaround for the team, which had struggled at the start of the season with a record of 2-8. Since then, Milwaukee has found its rhythm, winning 13 of their last 16 games, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.

Brook Lopez also made his mark on the game, contributing 13 points and nine rebounds, while Gary Trent Jr. added another 13 points off the bench. This depth in scoring proved crucial as the Bucks maintained their lead throughout the game.

For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 21 points but faced challenges in his shooting, finishing the night with an 8-for-24 shooting performance. His struggles from beyond the arc were evident as he connected on only 2 of his 9 three-point attempts.

The Bucks displayed their dominance early in the fourth quarter, quickly extending their lead to 83-66 with a pair of three-pointers from Trent Jr. and Lopez. This early surge in the fourth quarter effectively quelled any hopes of a Thunder comeback.

As the game progressed, Milwaukee maintained its double-digit lead, finishing the third quarter ahead 77-64. Antetokounmpo’s near-triple-double at that point reflected his significant impact on both ends of the court, as he also contributed defensively with two steals and one block.

Following the game, Antetokounmpo was named the NBA Cup MVP, a well-deserved accolade given his outstanding performance throughout the tournament. In six Cup games, he averaged an impressive 30.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 1.2 steals while shooting an astonishing 66.7% from the field.

The Bucks’ victory in the NBA Cup final not only showcases their talent but also serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of the NBA, where the ability to shoot from long range can often determine the fate of a game. With their current momentum, Milwaukee looks poised to make a significant impact as the regular season progresses.

As the Bucks celebrate their championship win, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this victory influences their performance in the upcoming games and whether they can carry this momentum into the regular season.