NBA Cup triumph just the beginning for Bucks, says Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo believes that the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA Cup triumph is just the beginning for his team as their mid-season turnaround continued.

Antetokounmpo starred for the Bucks on Tuesday, registering 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in the Bucks' 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Greek was also named the tournament's MVP, averaging 30.5 points per game, 10.2 rebounds per game, 7.7 assists per game and 2.8 blocks per game in the competition.

Damian Lillard also had 23 points with five 3-pointers and Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. each added 13 points for the Bucks, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers as the only champions of the two-year-old event.

It was a dominant defensive effort by the Bucks on Tuesday, holding the Thunder to a season-low 81 points, including 31 points in the second half.

Milwaukee's defence also produced team season bests in points allowed (81), field goal percentage (33.7%) and 3-point percentage (15.6%).

pic.twitter.com/6EOgEa5xCh

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 18, 2024

And Antetokounmpo lauded his team-mates for their performance in the showpiece match, but said the Bucks are hungry for more success as a group.

"It's the best feeling ever. Just winning. Winning feels good," Antetokounmpo said.

"Playing big games feels good when you're able to come to the game and execute your game plan, and then the outcome is exactly what you want it to be.

"But it's not only about the game. It's about everything leading up to the game. The way you prep your body. The anxiety you feel that you want to get everything over with, let's go straight to the game.

"All those feelings leading up to the game. It's what makes the win even better. I am so proud of the group. Everybody was extremely locked in.

"We came in, we were focused and played great basketball, and we were able to win this game. We had this goal as a team, and we accomplished it. I'm very proud of everybody.

"I'm so happy for Dame that we got our first trophy together. This is just the beginning. We have to keep on improving and getting better, and we will be better."

Since winning only two of their first 10 games, the Bucks have the best record in the NBA at 12-3.

However, Antetokounmpo encouraged his teammates to enjoy the win, but he also wanted them to stay focused on how they have been playing over the past 15 games.

"We have just got to stay humble, keep on improving," Antetokounmpo said. "We have a lot of basketball in front of us. We play Cleveland on Friday. A very, very good team.

"They are going to be waiting for us. Right now, the emotion is at an all-time high. We have to bring it down, be humble.

"Once we leave here tomorrow, go back to the gym, lock in, and hopefully we can go and get a win against the Cavs."

Quest for the Cup complete. pic.twitter.com/cVgT61eWgx

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 18, 2024