LAS VEGAS — Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased an impressive performance with 32 points, coming close to a triple-double, while Damian Lillard contributed 25 points as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 110-102 on Saturday. This victory secured the Bucks a place in the NBA Cup championship game.

The Bucks are set to face Oklahoma City, who triumphed over Houston in the other semifinal match, for the championship title on Tuesday night.

Antetokounmpo’s performance also included 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks, helping the Bucks to an outstanding 11-1 record in NBA Cup games, with their only defeat occurring in last year’s semifinals. Brook Lopez added 16 points to the team’s effort.

For the Hawks, Trae Young led the charge with a remarkable 35 points, alongside 10 assists and seven rebounds. Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter supported the effort with 15 points each, while Johnson also pulled down 10 rebounds.

In notable highlights, Young managed to draw 11 fouls during the game, marking his season’s highest. He had previously drawn 10 fouls in two other games this season, both of which resulted in victories for the Hawks. Since joining the NBA, Young has drawn 10 or more fouls in 52 games, a feat matched only once collectively by every other player on the Hawks over the same period.

Antetokounmpo demonstrated efficiency, shooting 10 of 15 from the field and converting 12 of 18 at the charity stripe. Bobby Portis contributed as well, adding 10 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench.

A critical moment in the game occurred when Antetokounmpo blocked an alley-oop dunk attempt by Clint Capela with 2:35 remaining, maintaining a five-point lead for the Bucks.

One striking statistic highlighted that the Bucks had previously lost 20 straight games when heading into the fourth quarter behind, stretching back to the previous season, including playoffs. On Saturday, they entered the fourth quarter trailing 83-82.

Up next, the Bucks will vie against Oklahoma City in the championship game on Tuesday, a match that will not affect the standings. Following this, they will resume regular season play on Friday against Cleveland, while the Hawks are scheduled to return to action on Thursday against San Antonio.