Gilgeous-Alexander and Antetokounmpo Lead Teams to NBA Cup Semi-Finals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 39 points to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in their Western Conference quarter-final. He also contributed five three-pointers, helping his team hit a season-high total of 20 threes, along with eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. The Thunder broke away in the third quarter, extending a three-point halftime lead to a commanding 90-73 advantage.

For the Mavericks, Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall led the way with 19 points each, while Luka Dončić was held to 16 points. The Thunder will now face either the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semi-finals, as the competition moves to Las Vegas for the final stages.

In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo helped the Milwaukee Bucks to a 114-109 win over the Orlando Magic. Antetokounmpo scored 37 points, leading his team through a tough contest. Damian Lillard was also instrumental, scoring 15 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, including a crucial step-back three-pointer to tie the game and a pair of free throws to secure the win.

The Bucks will face either the Atlanta Hawks or the New York Knicks in the semi-finals. Reflecting on last year’s experience, Lillard shared his team’s motivation: “We didn’t have the greatest experience there last year, so I think all of us are thinking about going back and finishing what we started last year and doing it right this time.”

Both teams now aim for a strong finish in the inaugural NBA Cup.