MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates during … [+]
Entering Saturday’s NBA Cup Semifinal game against the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder were given a chance at redemption. Oklahoma City lost a close game to Houston earlier in December, falling by three points in a thriller that came down to the wire.
This time around, the stakes were much higher. While Saturday’s contest counted toward the standings just as every other game in an 82-game season does, additional prize money and a spot in the NBA Cup Championship were on the line.
The Semifinal game was a tough, physical matchup that was primarily defined by defense. In fact, the Thunder and Rockets combined for just 83 points in the first half, and the score was separated by a single point. Statistically the top two defenses in the NBA, the game went exactly how it was expected to through the first 24 minutes.
From there, Oklahoma City’s stars were able to get going in the second half. Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams had inefficient showings in the first half, but that all changed in the final two quarters. While the Thunder’s defense held Houston to 27 points in both the third and fourth quarters, that OKC duo led the way in their team scoring 70 second half points. That was the difference in this game, as the Thunder’s top scorers came through and generated offense while the Rockets couldn’t get shots to fall.
The Thunder now has a 5-1 record in NBA Cup play, following a 3-1 mark in the Group Stage, followed by a win over the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets in the Knockout Rounds.
Next up will be the Milwaukee Bucks, who will be representing the Eastern Conference in the championship game. They’ve gone 6-0 in NBA Cup play and have a 14-11 record on the season. This game will take place in Las Vegas on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. CST on ABC.
Milwaukee is much better than its overall record would suggest. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have won 10 of their last 12 and have really turned things around after a slow start. The team is getting closer to full strength, especially after Khris Middleton’s recent return from injury.
This is a dangerous Milwaukee team led by an MVP candidate and will be an extremely tough test for OKC.
It’s worth noting that this championship game won’t count toward regular season standings. It acts as an 83rd game, with experience and prize money as the motivating factors for winning. Especially for a young team like the Thunder, this will be a great opportunity to play another game that feels high stakes in preparation for the playoffs in a few months.
Given this is an extra game on the schedule, Oklahoma City will now play three games in four nights this week. After the NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday, the Thunder will turn around and play a pair of road games in Florida against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
