The Milwaukee Bucks’ recent triumph in the NBA Cup has sent a clear message to the rest of the league: this team is a legitimate contender for the NBA title. After dominating the tournament with impressive performances, the Bucks have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. There are several key reasons why the Bucks are not only set to carry the momentum from their NBA Cup victory into the rest of the season but are also positioned to secure an NBA title.
At the heart of the Bucks’ success is Giannis Antetokounmpo, arguably the best player in the NBA today. His performance in the NBA Cup highlighted his insane athleticism, versatility, and leadership. Giannis has continued to evolve as a player, now not only a dominant force inside but also a capable shooter, passer, and playmaker. His ability to control the game on both ends of the floor makes him a matchup nightmare for any opponent.
Today in the victory vs the Thunder, he had 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, notching a triple-double in the dominant 97-81 win, as the Thunder had no one who could come close to containing him. This dominant performance had him secure MVP honors and has him poised to be in a position for a second championship.
While Giannis is the star, the Bucks’ supporting cast has taken significant strides forward, providing crucial depth and versatility. Players like Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez have all been integral to the team’s success, and their performances in the NBA Cup demonstrated how well they complement Giannis.
Lillard, once the face of the Portland Trailblazers, came over in a trade last offseason for Jrue Holiday, and took time to mesh with Giannis, but became the second best player and kept demonstrating his sharpshooting ways with the Bucks’. He helped them with 23-4-4 in the final, and opened up the floor with 4 three-pointers. If Lillard can keep playing this role the Bucks will be unstoppable.
Brook Lopez, the veteran center, continues to be one of the most dominant rim protectors in the NBA while also stretching the floor with his outside shooting. His defensive presence and ability to space the floor make him an invaluable asset for the Bucks. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton, though plagued by injuries in recent years, has returned to form as one of the most consistent scorers and clutch performers in the league. His ability to hit big shots in crunch time and play off Giannis is a key element to the Bucks’ success.
The Bucks’ win in the NBA Cup has given them a tremendous boost of confidence and momentum. While the tournament itself is new and its significance may be debated, the Bucks’ victory represents a psychological win. They’ve already tasted success in a high-pressure, high-stakes competition, and that feeling can carry over into the regular season and the playoffs.
Winning the NBA Cup has proven that the Bucks are firing on all cylinders. Their ability to win a major trophy early in the season shows that they are focused, prepared, and capable of winning when it counts. The confidence that comes from such a victory cannot be overstated as the Bucks gear up for the long haul of the NBA season.
With this Big 4, I think it’s likely that the Bucks are poised for a championship run, and they are my pick to win it all this year, especially in a weaker eastern conference with the only competition being the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. I think this is the year the Bucks recapture the magic they had in the 2020-21 season, and win it all because Giannis is playing the most well rounded and motivated basketball in his career, and they have the right pieces around him. I think this cup win poises the Bucks to win it all this year.
