Dame. Giannis. Middleton. SGA. J-Dub. Dort.
The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup is again and this time, it’s between two dominant and hella enjoyable squads: the No. 1 OKC Thunder will face off in opposition to the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks. With a brand new schedule format and cash on the road, momentum is constructing for this yr’s event.
Forward of tonight’s matchup, right here’s every little thing you have to find out about each groups.
OKC THUNDER:
With a 20-5 report and the highest spot within the West, OKC is undoubtedly one of the vital electrical, and funky, groups within the L proper now. Look no additional than the artistry of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s on observe to common practically career-high numbers, and is at present third within the NBA in scoring.
“He’s elite in his preparation,” says Isaiah Hartenstein, per The Oklahoman. “You see it on a day-to-day foundation, how he approaches his craft. The best way he works, the way in which he communicates…He’s a bucket regardless, however then he will get trapped (and) he doesn’t pressure it. He makes the fitting play.”
The complete workforce is standing on enterprise, too. In opposition to Houston, we noticed spin-moves and dunks from Williams (who’s No. 4 in steals, btw), dives on the hardwood and deep-threes from Dort and a lot extra. Wallace let everyone know what was up, too after going at it with Alperen Sengun:
“We’re not gonna get punked or shot down by anyone,” he mentioned. Periodt.
As for what to anticipate forward of the Cup Last, solely time will inform. Till then, right here’s some obligatory studying straight from the remark part of SGA’s IG posts. Shaispere.
And match pics in fact:
FITCHECK: OKC THUNDER 🌡️
Particulars on particulars
DO YOU SEE THIS COAT?
LF superteam?
Blazers and denim.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS:
For the perfect scorer within the League proper now, the mission is evident:
“Forty-eight f—ing minutes. Hold each other accountable. Someone missed a shot, decide him up. Make him be ok with himself, so he could make the following one.”
These are the phrases from an intense Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been channeling an unmatched stage of vocal management amidst an MVP-level efficiency this season. Regardless of the Bucks tough begin to the season, they’ve risen the standings and, particularly Giannis, have stored that very same power:
“I might be texting with Giannis, and we’d be speaking at observe or no matter, his thoughts was by no means shut off,” Lillard mentioned per ESPN. “He was by no means discouraged. He was by no means overly involved. It was at all times, combat. Our conversations had at all times been, like, we’re going to show it round. We’re going to determine it out. We’re going to steer. We’ve bought to maintain going. We’ve bought to dominate.”
Maybe he’s channeling his interior Huge Ticket, who in keeping with the Greek Freak stopped by their observe in Vegas not too long ago:
Now with Middleton lastly again (and higher since recovering from ankle surgical procedure), the Bucks are wanting forward as they prepare for the NBA Cup Last.
Thunder and Bucks followers, that is for you (and yours). Cop our NBA threads forward of the sport:
