The NBA Cup ended with a 97:81 win for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the Bucks are crowned champions, the tournament has brought to light different narratives across the league. Damian Lillard’s victory gives him a trophy, but his chances of winning an NBA title remain open. Oklahoma City’s offense raised concerns about its strength, while the Atlanta Hawks surprised many with an impressive performance and showed their potential heading into the season.

Through the numbers

• The Bucks scored 97 points to beat the Thunder’s 81.
• Oklahoma City’s offense currently ranks 8th in the NBA.
• The Hawks are 5-1 against playoff contenders like the Celtics, Cavaliers and Knicks.

Yes but

The Bucks’ win may not translate into postseason success, as their overall performance suggests they are unlikely to secure the Larry O’Brien Trophy again soon. Additionally, while the Hawks have exceeded expectations, their future remains uncertain as they are still developing and do not yet have clear championship ambitions.

state of affairs

• The tournament showed a disparity in team experiences, with younger teams performing better.
• Golden State’s early exit raised questions about the officiating and its impact on their season.

What’s next?

The focus will shift to how teams handle their momentum after the tournament. Young teams like the Thunder and Hawks need to use that experience effectively, while established teams need to avoid the slump that followed last season’s tournament.

Conclusion

The NBA Cup served as a litmus test for many teams, especially those in transition. Tournament experience could benefit young teams in the long run, but established contenders will need to carefully balance their focus to ensure it doesn’t detract from regular-season success.