By Allen Halas OnMilwaukee Staff Writer Published Dec 18, 2024 at 7:01 AM

The Milwaukee Bucks are champions once again! On Tuesday night, the Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 97-81, to become the second-ever NBA Cup champions. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee with another triple-double, as a strong second half ensured that the Bucks would walk out of Vegas winners. Of course, with this team, that's only about half the story. Here's some of our favorite clips from Tuesday night's championship win:

1. Dame Time

Damian Lillard came to Milwaukee to win a championship. On Tuesday night, he got his first taste of NBA hardware, thanks in part to his 23 points and five three-pointers. And he even made sure that Giannis didn't drop the trophy:

2. Block Party

Giannis may have had a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, but his three blocks made a big impact as well. That includes this one, directly off of Alex Caruso's forehead. Sorry, not sorry:

3. "Losing is not an option."

In case you needed something to absolutely fire you up on a Wednesday morning, Giannis' comments after winning the NBA Cup MVP are the type of thing that will make you want to run through a brick wall. Anyone else like, really hyped up?

4. That trophy just looks heavy

So, let's keep in mind that this is Dame's first trophy in the NBA. Turns out, those things are not light, as he found out on Tuesday night:

 
 
 
 
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5. Darvin Ham & Taurean Prince: Undefeated

Bucks assistant coach and former Bucks player Darvin Ham returned to Milwaukee this year from the Los Angeles Lakers. Taurean Prince would later join him this offseason. Thankfully, the two know a little something about the NBA Cup. Looks like they really like the in-season tournament:

6. Liam gets a house!

Look, a $500,000 bonus to the winning team may not mean much to the Bucks' superstars. However, for players further down the roster like two-way player Liam Robbins, it can go a long way. Giannis knew that, and he promised victory so that Robbins could put a down hefty down payment:

7. Dad on duty

For Giannis, though, the money's apparently already been spent. Here's the MVP talking to ESPN just after the game:

8. We are all Antetokounbros

While Giannis was on the court dominating, former Buck Thanasis Antetokounmpo was courtside, providing the role of #1 hypeman whenever possible. It was only right that TA got to celebrate with the team:

9. "Let me hold something"

Giannis made sure everyone knew that it was payday on Tuesday night:

10. Even NBA Paints got in on the action

I don't know if the nickname Giannis Ante-up-tokounmpo will stick. But it is fun to think about this scenario with him and the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Someone make this a t-shirt:

11. No champagne

It is important to remember that, while we did win a trophy, we didn't win the biggest trophy (yet.) The Bucks could celebrate on Tuesday night, but there's still work to be done:

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.

[image or embed] — Chris Haynes (@chrisbhaynes.bsky.social) December 17, 2024 at 11:10 PM

 

12. That championship feeling

No matter what happens the rest of the way, though, the Bucks have another trophy to add to their collection. Let's hope that the Bucks can carry this momentum into the back half of the season, and ultimately the NBA playoffs. Let's go Bucks!