NBA Cup Winners and Losers
The NBA Cup, the league’s highly anticipated in-season tournament, has concluded, crowning the Milwaukee Bucks as champions after a 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Bucks’ triumph will go down in history, the tournament’s impact extends beyond the championship game, leaving winners and losers throughout the league. Here’s a breakdown of who […]
The NBA Cup, the league’s highly anticipated in-season tournament, has concluded, crowning the Milwaukee Bucks as champions after a 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Bucks’ triumph will go down in history, the tournament’s impact extends beyond the championship game, leaving winners and losers throughout the league. Here’s a breakdown of who came out ahead—and who didn’t—during the NBA Cup journey.
Winners
Damian Lillard: A Trophy Worth Celebrating
Damian Lillard, a newcomer to the Bucks, finally hoisted an NBA trophy in the twilight of his career. At age 34, the odds of winning an end-of-season championship dwindle, but the NBA Cup offers a meaningful alternative. While it’s not the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Lillard’s win adds to his legacy, giving fans a moment to celebrate one of the game’s all-time greats.
Atlanta Hawks: Exceeding Expectations
The Atlanta Hawks emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, proving skeptics wrong. After trading Dejounte Murray in the offseason, expectations for the team plummeted. Yet, under Quin Snyder’s leadership, the Hawks leveraged their roster’s depth and athleticism to stun contenders like the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Knicks. Their performance showcased their potential as a young, dynamic team on the rise.
Youthful Teams Gain Valuable Experience
The NBA Cup gave young teams like the Thunder, Rockets, Magic, and Hawks a taste of high-pressure basketball. While most are not yet considered serious playoff threats, the experience of competing in elimination games will accelerate their growth and prepare them for future postseason runs.
Losers
Oklahoma City Thunder: Offensive Limitations Exposed
Despite making it to the championship game, the Thunder’s offensive flaws were laid bare. Ranked eighth in the league, their offense relies heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to create opportunities. However, their lack of secondary creators became evident during the tournament. Without a viable pivot, their one-dimensional approach fell short against Milwaukee.
Golden State Warriors: Early Exit Drama
Golden State’s tournament ended in controversy, with a questionable foul call against Jonathan Kuminga in a crucial game. This decision not only eliminated the Warriors but also forced them into a taxing schedule adjustment. While the NBA Cup might not carry the same weight as a championship, the Warriors’ experience was marred by frustration.
Thunder and Bucks: Post-Tournament Slump Risks
Both the Thunder and Bucks could face challenges moving forward. Historical trends suggest teams often struggle after the emotional peak of the NBA Cup. The Lakers and Pacers, last year’s finalists, faltered after their December trip to Las Vegas. If this pattern repeats, it could hinder playoff positioning for the Bucks and Thunder in a competitive season.
The NBA Cup’s Legacy
While the NBA Cup may not rival the prestige of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, its introduction added excitement to the regular season, offering unique opportunities for players and teams. For veterans like Damian Lillard, it’s a chance to capture meaningful accolades. For younger teams, it provides invaluable experience. As the league evaluates its success, one thing is certain: the tournament has left its mark, creating moments that will resonate throughout the season.