Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are headed to the NBA Cup championship recreation.
The Bucks defeated Trae Younger and the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 within the semifinals of the 2024 NBA Cup Saturday afternoon at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas. That formally put them within the title recreation, the place they’ll face the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder or Houston Rockets on Tuesday evening.
Antetokounmpo completed simply wanting a triple-double with 32 factors, 14 rebounds and 9 assists within the victory. He additionally shot 10 of 15 from the sphere. Damian Lillard wasn’t far behind with 25 factors, seven assists and 6 rebounds, though he solely made 5 of 14 from behind the arc.
Younger did all the pieces he may to maintain the Hawks within the third quarter after a good first half in Las Vegas. He shot 6 of seven from the sphere within the interval and put the Hawks forward early within the ultimate interval.
Finally, although, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks pulled forward down the stretch. They put collectively a fast 7-1 run late within the fourth quarter, powered by three brief buckets from Antetokounmpo, to lastly draw back from the Hawks. Antetokounmpo additionally sealed the deal within the ultimate minutes, with a wild block on Clint Capela on the rim to interrupt up an alley-oop.
Younger led the Hawks with a close to triple-double. He completed with 35 factors, 10 assists and 7 rebounds for Atlanta, which fell to 14-13 on the season with the loss. Jalen Johnson completed with 15 factors and 10 rebounds, and De’Andre Hunter added 15 factors and 7 rebounds coming off the bench.
Within the West, the Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Dončić in a 14-point victory on Tuesdaywhereas the Rockets gained a controversial recreation in opposition to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday that noticed Steve Kerr calls out to referees after one-point loss. They are going to then face one another on Saturday night.
Which crew will be part of the Bucks and advance to the NBA Cup championship recreation on Tuesday?
Learn how to watch the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
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The Bucks are formally headed to the championship recreation on Tuesday, the place they’ll face both the Thunder or Rockets in Vegas.
If all else fails, have Giannis do all of it.
WHAT GIANNIS BLOCK AT THE RIM
The Bucks lastly have some separation right here. They now lead 103-97 with 3:01 left.
If all else fails, give it to Giannis…
We have now a detailed one right here on the way in which. The Bucks are actually up by one halfway by way of the fourth quarter.
These vile service provider tips should cease. It is one of many issues that makes a recreation ugly. No one desires to see that.
That is about as aggressive a recreation because the NBA may have hoped for. A one-run recreation to begin the fourth.
Finish of three: Hawks 83, Bucks 82
Trae Younger got here out within the third quarter and helped the Hawks take their first lead because the opening sequence of the second interval. He now has 26 factors, 10 assists and 7 rebounds.
We’ll end properly right here in Vegas. Finish of three: Hawks 83, Bucks 82
It is superb, Trae Younger had a horrible filming season, the worst of his profession, however he is burning it down tonight. He is 7 of 12, 3 of 4 of three. 26-8-7 now within the third quarter to attempt to preserve the Hawks.
Clint Capela simply fully stuffed Giannis after which completed on the different finish. The Hawks, nevertheless, nonetheless trailed 70-64 halfway by way of the third quarter.
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You’ll be able to see why the Hawks are aggressive, particularly on protection. They’re neither intimidating nor imposing, however their wings are lengthy and aggressive. They cowl lots of area and block passing lanes.
Now that he is 30, Giannis Antetokounmpo is aiming for one more MVP title. He dominates like by no means earlier than and leads the cost tonight in Las Vegas.
Click on the picture to learn extra about Giannis’ newest MVP push from Vincent Goodwill earlier this month.
Click on the picture to learn extra about Giannis’ newest MVP push from Vincent Goodwill earlier this month. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Pictures)
Half: Bucks 55, Hawks 49
Giannis leads all scorers with 14 factors, eight rebounds and 5 assists on the midpoint. Damian Lillard is the one different Bucks participant in double figures with 10 factors, though he shot simply 3 of 13 from the sphere.
Trae Younger leads the Hawks with 12 factors, seven rebounds and 7 assists.
This appears to be like like a pro-Hawks crowd. Then you definately bear in mind, the Falcons are enjoying the Raiders in Vegas this weekend. There was lots of Falcons gear on individuals strolling round city final evening and immediately.
And simply in time, right here comes Woman. It is now three straight factors from him, together with this one from deep.
I ponder if the lighting at T-Cell Area disrupts filming. Dame Lillard is 2 of 9 from the sphere and 1 of 6 from the 3-point line to date.
I do not know if it is on TV, however the environment is bettering and the constructing is full. It was only a crowd arriving slowly.
