The Milwaukee Bucks are heading back to Las Vegas, and this time, they’re chasing something big. After a gritty 114-109 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, the Bucks clinched their spot in the semifinals of the NBA Cup. It's not just another game for the team—it’s a chance for redemption.
Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear that this trip to Vegas carries a deeper meaning for the Bucks. "Losing is not a good feeling," Giannis reflected, recalling last season’s painful semifinal loss in the inaugural in-season tournament. "But we definitely learned from it." That “unfinished business” is fueling their drive this year, and the stakes couldn’t feel higher.
A Thrilling Victory Over the Magic
Orlando didn’t make it easy. Despite missing stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic came out swinging, led by Jalen Suggs. Suggs was phenomenal, dropping 32 points, including an electrifying 18 points in the fourth quarter alone. With just 12 seconds left, he had a chance to put Orlando ahead with a deep three-pointer but couldn’t quite connect.
While Suggs dazzled, the Bucks’ duo of Giannis and Damian Lillard proved unstoppable when it mattered most. Giannis dominated with 37 points, showcasing why he’s one of the league’s most relentless forces. Lillard, with ice in his veins, poured in nine of his 28 points in the game’s final minute, sealing the deal for Milwaukee.
A Season of Ups and Downs
For the Bucks, this victory wasn’t just about advancing; it was a testament to their resilience. Forward Bobby Portis summed it up perfectly: "Last year there was a lot of expectations on our team," he said after a stellar 22-point performance off the bench. "It’s more special in that regard because of where we started to where we are now."
Milwaukee’s journey to this point hasn’t been smooth. They started the season with a shaky 2-8 record, a far cry from what fans expected of a team loaded with talent. But rather than crumble, they regrouped and found their groove, going undefeated in NBA Cup group play. Their recent form, winning nine of their last 11 games, shows just how far they’ve come.
Turning the Tide
The Bucks’ turnaround is a testament to their unity and determination. "We just stayed connected," Damian Lillard explained. "We kept fighting—and that's a hard thing to do when you're struggling and expected to be winning, and people are talking about your team. It takes a connected group to be able to bounce back and come out of that and get where we've gotten."
Coach Doc Rivers echoed those sentiments, praising his players for embracing the challenge. "You set a goal and you try to reach it, right?" Rivers said. "Our goal is not just to get to Vegas; we want to win this thing."
Back to Vegas: A Different Energy
This will be Milwaukee’s second consecutive season in Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals, making them the only team to return. However, this time feels different. Last year, the Bucks boasted a stronger regular-season record at 15-6 but faced an Indiana Pacers team that exposed defensive weaknesses. That loss stung but also served as a wake-up call.
Portis, reflecting on the contrast, said he prefers the vibe this year. "We’re only two games over .500, but I like the makeup of our team right now," he explained. "I like the swag and confidence everybody's playing with. I like the camaraderie, how it keeps getting better on a game-to-game basis. And I like Vegas."
It’s not just about the destination—it’s about how they’ve grown as a team along the way. From early-season struggles to finding their rhythm, this group is peaking at the right time.
What’s Next?
The Bucks now await their next challenge: a Saturday showdown against the winner of Wednesday’s quarterfinal between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. Whoever their opponent is, the Bucks know the road won’t be easy. But with momentum on their side and a roster packed with star power, they’re ready to make their mark.
Portis, whose energy and effort off the bench have been vital all season, emphasized how special this moment feels. "This team has been through so much already," he said. "To be here, in this position, it’s rewarding—but we’re not done yet."
Why This Matters
What makes this NBA Cup journey so exciting for the Bucks isn’t just the potential for a trophy. It’s about the stories being written along the way: the redemption arc of Giannis and his crew, the clutch performances from Lillard, the emergence of role players like Portis, and the unwavering belief that even after a rocky start, they could turn things around.
For fans, this is basketball at its best—high stakes, emotional storylines, and the thrill of watching a team fight for something bigger than themselves. And for the Bucks, it’s a shot at rewriting their narrative, proving they belong among the league’s elite.
Key Takeaways
- Redemption in Vegas: The Bucks are back in Las Vegas, looking to avenge last year’s semifinal loss.
- Star Power: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard delivered clutch performances to secure their spot in the semifinals.
- Resilience: From a 2-8 start to winning nine of their last 11 games, Milwaukee has shown incredible growth and determination.
- Special Season: Bobby Portis highlighted the team’s chemistry, confidence, and camaraderie as key factors in their turnaround.
The NBA Cup is still a new concept, but for the Milwaukee Bucks, it’s already become a crucial chapter in their season. As they head to Vegas, one thing is clear: this team is on a mission.
So, mark your calendars for Saturday. The Bucks are bringing their swagger, their stars, and their “unfinished business” to Las Vegas. Whether they win it all or not, this is the kind of basketball that keeps fans on the edge of their seats—and that’s what makes it so special.
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