Preview and Bold Prediction of the NBA Cup Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Milwaukee Bucs will face off against each other on Tuesday to determine the winner of the second NBA Cup Finals in Las Vegas. Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers to become the first winner of the tournament in a matchup of established versus budding superstars. It feels like it is a similar storyline this year, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard versus Shai Gilgrus Alexander and Jalen Williams. It is an interesting matchup because of the contrasting manner of both teams’ journey to the Finals. In this article, we will preview both teams and make a bold prediction of who will lift the NBA Emirates Cup.

The Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks had a dreaded start to the regular season and won only 2 of their first ten games. It led to criticism of the team and fans clamoring for the firing of Doc Rivers as Head Coach of the team. Somehow, the team has turned it around by winning 12 of their past 15 games and are arguably the hottest team in the league. The Bucks’ resurgence can be credited to the improved chemistry between Giannis and Dame. The duo combined for 57 points in the Bucks’ semifinal win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. In particular, Giannis has returned to his MVP levels and is carrying his team to new heights. The Greek Freak has posted five consecutive 30-point games and shot over 60% from the field in the last three. I think Giannis will be a tough cover for the Thunder, with Isaiah Harnstein the only player over 6’7” to face a 6’11’’ Antetokounmpo and a 7’1” Brooke Lopez. It means when Harnstein is on the bench or in foul trouble, Jaylen Williams will have a hard time matching up with Giannis, and a team effort will be needed to slow down the 2021 NBA Finals MVP.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Unlike the Bucks, the Thunder have been juggernauts in the Western Conference with a 21-ing5 record. The Thunder have gone 9-1 in their last ten games, averaging 117.1 points, 46.0 rebounds, and 26.3 assists while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. Shai is averaging 30.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, placing him in the MVP discussion. The Thunder should look to target Damian Lillard on the defensive end because of his struggles in isolation. Attacking Lillard serves the dual purpose of tiring out the All-NBA scorer which would be advantageous on both sides of the court. Also, the Thunder rank number 1 in defensive ratings, steals, points off turnovers, and opponents points in the paint. The Thunder will want to force as many turnovers as possible, get out in transition, and score easy points. Also, they will want to protect the basketball at all costs and put pressure on this Bucks’ team.

Prediction

The Thunder are the favorites to win this Finals matchup. They have been the more consistent team so far in the regular season. However, I am going to go with the upset, and I am picking the Bucks to win. I think if this is a series, the Thunder would win, but in an on-off-game, Milwaukee will have two of the best three players on the floor. I think without Chet Holgrem, the Thunder will have no answers for Antetokounmpo. I have the Bucks winning a close game.

Bucks 108-Thunder 104