Our opinion on NBA Cup 2024: focus on the final!
by Cydias Aujard | by Cydias Aujard
What is the NBA Cup?
For a number of years, the NBA has been looking to bring a new dynamic to its calendar, in particular to make the first part of the regular season more attractive during the months of November and December. This project came to fruition with the launch of the NBA Cup for the 2023/24 season. This is a second competition in the middle of the season that complements the championship, just like the national cup in European sporting culture. NBA Cup matches are played on courts specially designed for the competition, with flashy colorful floors adding a unique atmosphere.
The NBA Cup is a multi-phase format. The tournament begins with a group phase, comprising six groups in total: three groups of five teams for each conference. Each team plays four games, divided into two home and two away matches. These games are played on Tuesdays and Fridays, and count towards both the NBA Cup standings and the regular-season standings, raising the stakes of each match-up.
After last year's Lakers, who will take the trophy, the Bucks or OKC?
At the end of the group phase, the winners of each group and the best 2nd-placed team from each conference advance to the quarter-finals. Of the 8 teams that qualify, the top four teams from the group phase play their quarter-final at home. The four victorious teams qualify for the Final Four in Las Vegas, where the semi-finals and grand final take place. Each player on the winning team receives an exceptional prize of $500,000.
In the first edition, held last season, the Los Angeles Lakers won the trophy by beating the Indiana Pacers in the final, thus securing the first-ever NBA Cup. LeBron James was named MVP of the inaugural competition! This second edition will give you a break from the classic regular-season games, and add a little spice to your NBA predictions.
NBA Cup Final 2024: Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder!
OKC in terrific form
The Thunder have made an excellent start to the season, sitting in 1st place in the Western Conference with an impressive record of 20 wins and just 5 defeats! This exceptional start to the season is all the more remarkable given the long-term absence of Chet Holmgren, who is clearly the franchise's second-best player. However, Mark Daigneault's side have been able to overcome this loss thanks to their depth on the bench and a team that is performing extremely well.
At the heart of this success is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose individual performances simply speak for themselves. With an average of 30.3 points per game this season, he has established himself as one of the best players in the league and a serious contender for the MVP award. His ability to be reliable and consistent almost every night is a major contributor to OKC's current form.
Oklahoma City didn't have the easiest route to the NBA Cup final. To qualify, the team first topped a tough pool that included the Suns, Lakers, Spurs and Jazz. This obstacle course continued in the quarter-finals, where the Thunder overcame the Mavs, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. In the semi-final, the Western Conference leaders continued their winning ways by overcoming the Rockets to qualify for the NBA Cup final! The trophy would validate the franchise's excellent start to the campaign.
Bucks much better after tough start
Unlike Oklahoma City, who got off to a blazing start to the season, Milwaukee got off to a calamitous start with just 2 wins and 8 losses in their first 10 games. It was a start that left many sceptical about the team's ambitions this season. However, the trend was quickly reversed as the Bucks found their rhythm and won 12 of their last 15 games.
With a now positive record of 14 wins and 11 defeats, they have climbed back up to 6th place in the Eastern Conference, and are now looking to build on this momentum. The revival of Doc Rivers' side is largely due to the exceptional form of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek, with impressive statistics of 32.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game, has had a simply monstrous start to the season! His ability to dominate every night, whatever the opponent, makes him a serious contender for the MVP award.
To reach the NBA Cup final, Milwaukee finished top of a group that was considered fairly affordable, with the Pistons, Heat, Raptors and Pacers. Giannis Antetokounmpo's team won all their games, leaving no stone unturned. In the quarter-finals, they defeated the Magic, before going on to beat the Hawks in the semi-finals in Las Vegas. Winning the NBA Cup would be a real symbol of the Bucks' return to form, giving hope to a franchise aspiring to regain its status as a title contender.
