The Milwaukee Bucks made a statement on Tuesday night when they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup championship.
With their 97-81 victory, the Bucks warned the rest of the league that they are back and should be taken seriously.
On Wednesday’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith spoke about what this win means for Milwaukee’s postseason chances.
“They did what they did last night against the top defensive team in the NBA,” Smith remarked, before adding, “If you’re shooting the basketball like that, you got a chance to win it all.”
It’s been a rough couple of years for the Bucks, but was their NBA Cup success a turning point for the team?
.@stephenasmith on the Bucks after beating the Thunder in the NBA Cup Final 👀
“They did what they did last night against the top defensive team in the NBA. … If you’re shooting the basketball like that, you got a chance to win it all.” 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0Khkp8OIvy
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 18, 2024
A few years ago, the Bucks were odds-on favorites to win another championship.
But because of bad injuries, tough luck, and coaching changes, the team hasn’t stayed consistent since their last NBA Finals win.
As the rest of the East has gotten stronger, the Bucks have seemingly grown weaker.
Defeating the Thunder is a huge accomplishment because OKC is one of the most energetic, dynamic, and unstoppable young teams in the league.
Yet, the Bucks walked all over them, especially in the second half of the NBA Cup Final.
Milwaukee was strong on both ends of the court, creating some great shots and also getting important stops.
It was if there wasn’t anything they couldn’t do.
Can they carry the good energy and confidence forward for the rest of the season and will people now consider them legitimate contenders for another championship?
How much did this NBA Cup win change the narrative around the Bucks?
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