The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final of the 2024 NBA Cup this week in Las Vegas. Now in its second year, the NBA Cup offers a unique mid-season competition with a format inspired by the football World Cup.
The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, claimed victory in the inaugural edition last year, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the final. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s showdown:
What is the NBA Cup?
The NBA Cup was introduced to add significance to the early part of the NBA season. The format condenses the league’s regular 82-game schedule into a shorter competition.
Evan Wasch, the NBA’s executive vice-president of basketball strategy and analytics, described the tournament as an opportunity to grow the league:
“There are so many examples worldwide where teams compete for multiple trophies. The NBA Cup offers a fresh way to engage fans and build excitement.”
The tournament starts with 30 teams divided into six regional groups of five. Teams play their group opponents once, with group winners and the two best second-placed teams from each conference advancing to the quarter-finals. Quarter-finals and semi-finals are regionally contested, with the top side from each conference progressing to the final.
“It’s basically a World Cup format, adjusted for basketball,” Wasch added.
Does the NBA Cup affect regular season standings?
Yes, results from NBA Cup games, except for the final, count towards the regular season standings. This ensures the tournament integrates seamlessly with the league’s schedule.
The Bucks, with a season record of 14 wins and 11 losses, remain unbeaten in NBA Cup play, boasting six wins from six games. The Thunder, who lead the Western Conference with 20 wins and five losses, have won five out of six NBA Cup matches.
When and where is the final?
The 2024 NBA Cup final will tip off at 01:30 GMT on Wednesday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the same venue as Sunday’s semi-finals. The Bucks overcame the Atlanta Hawks 110-102, while the Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets 111-96 to book their place in the championship game.
Key Players to Watch
The Bucks will lean on Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP. Antetokounmpo is averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game this season and ranks fifth in rebounds.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the standout star. The Canadian guard, known as ‘SGA,’ was named Western Conference Player of the Month for January and February and ranks fourth in scoring this season.
Will there be an MVP?
An NBA Cup MVP and a five-man team of the tournament will be announced after the final. Last year, LeBron James earned MVP honors and was joined by teammate Anthony Davis in the tournament team.
Antetokounmpo was also named to the 2023 team and has a chance to become the first player to make the list twice.
The 2024 NBA Cup final promises high-octane action as two of the league’s top teams battle for mid-season supremacy.
Source: BBC Sports.
