2024 NBA Cup Semifinal Preview (Sports)
December 13, 2024
The 2024 NBA Cup moves to Las Vegas, where four teams will compete for the tournament’s second-ever championship: the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets from the West, and the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks from the East.
Western Conference NBA Cup Semifinal
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets
- The Thunder (19-5) are currently the No. 1 seed in the West and have been outscoring their opponents by an average of 12.0 points per game. OKC has been a strong defensive team, effectively locking down both the perimeter and the paint with multiple players at a time. Key players to watch include point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, and forward Jalen Williams, who is putting up 21.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
- The Rockets (17-8) have been a strong defensive team this season, which is one of the key reasons they are currently the No. 2 seed in the West. While Houston ranks last in assists and has struggled with their 3-point shooting, they play a strong level of defense, and they overpower teams with their transition offense. Key players to watch include guard Jalen Green, who is averaging a team-leading 19.2 points, and guard Fred VanVleet, who is contributing 15.6 points and a team-leading 5.9 assists per game.
Eastern Conference NBA Cup Semifinal
Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks
- The Bucks (13-11) have won 8 of their last 10 games after starting the season with a 2-8 record. They have the NBA’s top scoring duo in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo is averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game, along with 11.4 rebounds and 6 assists, while Lillard is contributing 32.7 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. The Bucks rely heavily on Antetokounmpo and Lillard for most of their offense, but for the team to reach its full potential, their role players will need to step up and provide strong contributions.
- The Hawks (14-12) are on a 10-5 stretch after starting the season 4-7. Atlanta is a fast paced team, but their offense can sometimes become stagnant, and they have struggled with their perimeter defense. Trae Young has transformed his shooting this season and has become one of the league’s best passers, currently leading the NBA in assists. The Hawks’ role players around Young have stepped up, shooting and defending well, and will need to continue doing so for the team to reach its full potential.