Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 factors for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder whereas Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 factors for the Milwaukee Bucks as they impressed their groups to succeed in the NBA Cup semifinals.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 5 of his crew’s 20 three-pointers in its 118-104 win over the visiting Dallas Mavericks within the Western Convention quarterfinals.
He additionally contributed eight rebounds, 5 assists and three steals because the Thunder pulled away within the third quarter after they turned a three-point halftime benefit right into a 90-73 lead.
Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall scored with 19 factors for the Mavericks, whereas teammate Luka Doncic was restricted to 16 factors.
They’ll face both the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets within the Western Convention semifinals when the competitors strikes to Las Vegas for the ultimate phases.
In Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo’s heroics helped the Bucks earn a hard-fought 114-109 victory over the Orlando Magic within the Jap Convention quarterfinals.
Damian Lillard was additionally key for Milwaukee as he made a step-back three-pointer to tie the sport at 106 apiece with 52.2 seconds left earlier than including a layup and 4 free throws.
Lillard scored 15 of his 28 factors within the fourth quarter and likewise contributed 9 assists.
The Bucks, who will face the Atlanta Hawks or the New York Knicks within the remaining 4, reached the semi-finals of final season’s inaugural NBA Cup earlier than being overwhelmed by the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas.
“We didn’t have the perfect expertise there final yr,” Lillard stated.
“So I feel all of us suppose [about] to return and end what we began final yr and do it proper this time. »
