Bucks and Thunder Advance

The Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder have successfully advanced to the semifinals of the NBA Cup following impressive victories in their respective quarterfinal matchups. The Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic 114-109, while the Thunder overcame the Dallas Mavericks 118-104.
Thunder's Dominance Against Mavericks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a remarkable performance, scoring 39 points and contributing significantly in other areas with eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. The Thunder's offense was particularly potent from beyond the arc, hitting a season-high 20 three-pointers, with Gilgeous-Alexander making five of them. The team pulled away decisively in the third quarter, turning a narrow halftime lead into a comfortable advantage.
Challenges for the Magic
The Orlando Magic faced a tough battle against Milwaukee, missing key players such as Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, and Franz Wagner due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Jalen Suggs stepped up, scoring 32 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter. However, Suggs missed a critical three-pointer in the closing moments that could have shifted the game's outcome.
Bucks' Resilience and Key Performers
The Bucks showcased their resilience, bouncing back from a challenging start to the season. Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental, scoring 37 points, marking his 22nd consecutive game with at least 20 points and shooting over 50%. Damian Lillard also played a crucial role, scoring 28 points and making key free throws in the final moments to secure the win. Bobby Portis added 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Khris Middleton provided eight assists, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Looking Ahead
As the Bucks prepare to face either the Atlanta Hawks or the New York Knicks in the semifinals, the Thunder will await their next opponent, which will be determined between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Both teams will look to build on their current momentum as they advance in the tournament.