Milwaukee Bucks Crowned NBA Emirates Cup Champions

The Milwaukee Bucks secured a dominant 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the 2024 NBA Emirates Cup, showcasing stellar performances from their star players and strong team cohesion throughout the tournament. This marks the Bucks’ first NBA Cup championship, finishing with an undefeated 7-0 record.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Shines Bright

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ perennial MVP contender, delivered an extraordinary performance in the championship game, earning him the Emirates NBA Cup MVP title. Giannis recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks, and two steals, leading his team on both ends of the court.

“This was a total team effort, but to lift this trophy in front of our fans is something special,” Giannis said after the game. “We worked hard all tournament, and this is the result of that dedication.”

Damian Lillard Delivers

Newly acquired Damian Lillard played a pivotal role, contributing 23 points, including five three-pointers, along with four rebounds and four assists. His dynamic scoring and playmaking complemented Giannis’ all-around dominance, making the Bucks a formidable force throughout the tournament.

Bucks’ Depth and Defense Prevail

Milwaukee’s championship run was fueled by consistent contributions from their roster and a commitment to defense. The Bucks held the Thunder to just 33.7% shooting in the final, showcasing their ability to stifle opponents when it mattered most. They also nailed 17 three-pointers, cementing their reputation as a team that can dominate from beyond the arc.

Grind Session Alumni Shine on Bucks Roster

The Bucks’ roster featured three players who honed their skills in the Grind Session:

  • Gary Trent Jr. (Prolific Prep): Gary had 13 points with 3 rebounds and an assist in the Emirates Cup victory last night. Now in his seventh NBA season, Trent is averaging 8.9 points, two rebounds, and one assist per game. After playing one season at Duke under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Trent was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He joined the Bucks this offseason following a stint with the Toronto Raptors.
  • MarJon Beauchamp (Dream City Christian): In his second NBA season, Beauchamp is averaging 1.6 points and 0.8 rebounds per game. His potential and work ethic make him a valuable asset to the Bucks’ future.
  • AJ Johnson (SoCal Academy): A rookie in the NBA, Johnson took an unconventional path by playing a year of professional basketball in Australia before being selected 23rd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. His energy and skill have brought additional depth to the Bucks roster.

About the 2024 NBA Emirates Cup

The NBA Emirates Cup, the second edition of the NBA’s in-season tournament, was a multi-stage competition held during the 2024–25 season. All 30 teams participated, with group-stage games counting toward regular season standings. The tournament culminated in a knockout round, where players on advancing teams received substantial prize money:

  • Quarterfinal losers: $51,497 each
  • Semifinal losers: $102,994 each
  • Runners-up: $205,988 each
  • Champions: $514,971 each

The Bucks’ championship win highlights the growing significance of the NBA Cup as a showcase of talent and a proving ground for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike.

With their star-studded lineup, unwavering defense, and contributions from Grind Session alumni, the Milwaukee Bucks have solidified themselves as a dominant force in the NBA. As they turn their attention back to the regular season, the Bucks will look to build on this momentum in pursuit of another NBA title.