The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup semifinals took place last night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and it was a night full of excitement and high-stakes basketball. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious in their respective matchups, setting up a championship game that promises to be thrilling.
The first semifinal saw the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Atlanta Hawks. The Bucks, led by the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, dominated the game from start to finish. Giannis put up an impressive performance with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Lillard added 28 points of his own. The Bucks’ strong defense and efficient offense allowed them to pull away in the second half, ultimately winning 110-102.
In the second semifinal, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Houston Rockets in a gritty, defensive battle. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, managed to contain the Rockets’ offense and secure a 111-96 victory. Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable, scoring 32 points and making crucial plays down the stretch. The Rockets struggled to find their rhythm, with Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green combining for only 20 points.
With the Bucks and Thunder advancing to the championship game, fans can look forward to an exciting matchup on Tuesday night. Both teams have shown their resilience and determination throughout the tournament, and the stakes are high with bragging rights and over $500,000 per player on the line for the winning team.