The Milwaukee Bucks clinched the NBA Cup with a 97-81 victory over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. The win marked their 7-0 run in NBA Cup play, showcasing the Bucks’ dominance under head coach Doc Rivers. However, the team opted for a unique approach after their big win.
The Bucks chose to forego the traditional celebratory champagne showers and locker room festivities. According to Rivers, the decision to skip the celebrations stemmed from a discussion with assistant coach Darvin Ham, who reflected on his experience with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers told me after talking with Darvin Ham and his experience with Lakers last season, they chose not to celebrate The Cup championship with dousing and drinking of champagne. Want to focus on the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/CQ0J0aoeWz
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 18, 2024
Despite winning the NBA Cup, the Lakers struggled afterward, finishing eighth in the Western Conference. Their early momentum fizzled, culminating in a first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. Learning from that cautionary tale, Rivers emphasized the importance of staying focused on the remaining 57 regular-season games.
Doc Rivers Praises NBA Cup’s Impact After Bucks’ Victory
Ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA Cup win, head coach Doc Rivers shared his thoughts on the tournament’s value during an interview with ESPN’s NBA Today. Rivers praised the NBA Cup for providing experiences that regular-season games often cannot replicate.
“There are things you learn. I just can’t tell you what they are, but you don’t get to get this experience during the regular season. This will help us; this will help Oklahoma, Atlanta, Houston. Everybody that was here is going to help us later. This cup, I liked it last year as a broadcaster; I love it more as a coach. I think it’s good for our league,” Rivers said.
The Bucks’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder not only secured the NBA Cup but also improved their season record to 14-11. Milwaukee is now turning its attention to their next challenge against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
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