NBA Cup — Day 10

 Hello, I’m Carlos Andres Segrera, and this is the NBA from the mind of a high schooler. 

After fully wearing out my media credentials at the AutoNation Orange Bowl Basketball Classic and missing Bucks-Hawks, I came home and locked in for Thunder-Rockets, where OKC came out victorious. I ended up rewatching the Bucks' victory, which solidified my confidence that this NBA Cup Finals matchup will be absolutely thrilling.

The first few minutes of the Bucks-Hawks game pretty much summed up the entire contest. The Bucks scored 7 straight points, which were followed up by 7 straight Hawks points. The game was back and forth the entire time, but it was one man who was the difference maker for the Bucks—the same man who either scored or assisted every single one of those first seven points. His name? Giannis Antetokounmpo. Thanks to Giannis’ 32 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals, the Bucks came out on top, 110 to 102.Trae Young fought to keep Atlanta in the game, dropping 35 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds of his own, but the Hawks were no match for the Greek Freak. Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter were the next two up for the Hawks with 15 points each, but both got there inefficiently, shooting a combined 11-for-31 from the field. Bobby Portis knocked down 5 of his 7 two-point attempts, and Dame tacked on 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. While it was a pretty even game, the Bucks always seemed to have control, even when down a point or two.The game-defining moment for Milwaukee came when Giannis turned back the clock with a gravity-defying block on a lob attempt to Clint Capela in clutch time, reminiscent, of course, of a similar block in the 2021 NBA Finals, when Giannis disrupted a lob attempt to De’Andre Ayton. This game didn’t just punch the Bucks a ticket to the NBA Cup Finals; it also helped Assistant Coach Darvin Ham remain undefeated in Cup play.

This 111-to-96 victory for the Thunder over the Rockets reminded me of the true identity of this OKC team. The Thunder are an electrifying group of young men who combine grit and fluidity in a way that perfectly complements their unmatched synergy. The Rockets have a similar identity—a young, athletic team that operates a top defense in the league. The thing they don’t have that the Thunder do is an MVP candidate. Shai was the true difference maker in this game, putting up 32 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals.Neither team shot great, which is expected when two of the top five defensive teams match up. The Rockets shot 36% from the field and 24% from three. The Thunder shot 45% from the field and 36% from three. Another aspect of this game that points to the Thunder’s victory being fueled by star power is that no Rockets player hit the 20-point mark. I felt this game can be boiled down to OKC simply wanting it more. I could feel the passion through my screen, and it translated to a W.

This NBA Cup Finals matchup is similar to last year’s in how it is a battle between the ages. The Bucks are one of the oldest teams in the league, and the Thunder are the youngest. Milwaukee was sent home in last year’s semifinals and has surpassed that mark this year, making them the most dominant team in the short life of the Cup thus far. The Bucks started off the season slow and could use this championship as a way to mark a turning point in their season as they begin to set their sights on the Larry O’B. As for the Thunder, this could prove that they are planning on starting their dominance earlier than most expected.

These two teams have a lot to prove on the court, but the biggest question of all still stands: Will Darvin Ham remain undefeated?

You’ll hear from me next on Wednesday.

Thank you.


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