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The second-ever NBA Cup Final is set, and it features two of the league’s hottest teams as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. Both squads enter this showdown riding waves of momentum, with dominant performances on both ends of the floor throughout the tournament.
For fans, this matchup promises high-energy basketball, superstar performances and a clash of styles that could be an instant classic.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA Cup has been the spark they needed to regain their footing after a rocky start to the season. Just over a month ago, the Bucks were sitting at 2-8, struggling to find rhythm under head coach Doc Rivers. Fast forward to today, and Milwaukee has gone 12-3 in its last 15 games, looking more like the championship contender many expected.
This resurgence has been powered by their dynamic duo: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Giannis has been virtually unstoppable, leading the NBA in scoring at 32.7 points per game while shooting a blistering 61.4% from the field. On top of that, he’s contributing 11.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists per contest, proving again why he’s one of the league’s most dominant forces.
Lillard, meanwhile, has found his groove alongside Giannis. Averaging 25.7 points and 7.5 assists, the veteran guard has stepped up in clutch moments, giving Milwaukee the scoring balance they’ve sorely missed in past playoff runs.
In their Cup quarterfinal win against Orlando, Giannis and Lillard combined for 65 points, with Bobby Portis delivering 22 points off the bench. The semifinals saw more of the same, as Milwaukee handled the red-hot Hawks, 110-102. Their improving defense – now ranked 13th in the NBA – has been a key factor in their success, as they’ve held opponents under 107 points in each of their last four Cup games.
Add in the season debut of Khris Middleton, who’s provided crucial playmaking off the bench, and the Bucks suddenly look like a team peaking at the perfect time.
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the NBA Cup Final as the Western Conference’s top team. Sitting at 20-5 on the season and winners of 12 of their last 15 games, the Thunder have made it clear they’re no longer an up-and-coming squad – they’re contenders.
Much of that success can be attributed to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has emerged as one of the NBA’s most unstoppable scorers. SGA is fourth in the league in scoring, averaging 30.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. He’s been electric throughout the Cup, scoring 32+ points in four of six games, including a 39-point masterclass in the quarterfinal win over Dallas.
OKC’s defensive dominance has been just as impressive. They own the best defensive rating in the NBA, and their ability to disrupt opposing stars was on full display in the Cup semis, where they limited Houston to 96 points. Jalen Williams (20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists) and Isaiah Hartenstein (21 points and 8 boards) have been exceptional alongside SGA, while role players like Luguentz Dort continue to contribute on both ends of the floor.
What sets OKC apart is their depth and hunger. With a young, energetic roster led by head coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have been relentless. Their defense, combined with a balanced offense, makes them a tough matchup for any team – and a serious threat to Milwaukee’s NBA Cup title hopes.
This NBA Cup Final will be a battle of contrasting strengths. The Bucks bring size, star power and experience, led by Giannis’ physical dominance in the paint and Lillard’s perimeter scoring. Meanwhile, the Thunder boast speed, elite defense and a deeper bench, with SGA spearheading their attack.
One key matchup to watch will be SGA against Milwaukee’s backcourt defense. While the Bucks have improved on that end, they’ve struggled against elite perimeter scorers, and SGA has proven he can capitalize on even the smallest openings.
Defensively, the Thunder will aim to slow down Giannis – a near-impossible task – but their ability to contain Lillard and the Bucks’ supporting cast could tilt the game in their favor.
With both teams holding opponents to under 107 points in their last four NBA Cup games, this is shaping to be a gritty, hard-fought contest. The total for the game sits at 214.5 points, reflecting the defensive intensity both teams have displayed throughout the tournament.
SGA has been sensational in the NBA Cup, scoring 26+ points in all six games and 32+ four times. With Milwaukee’s backcourt defense vulnerable, look for him to rise to the occasion and deliver a signature performance in the NBA Cup Final.
Here’s how our friends at Sports Grid are predicting the game will go:
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.