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Bucks and Thunder secure spots in NBA Cup semifinals

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder puts up a shot in front of Chris Livingston #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

The knockout stage of the 2024 NBA Cup is underway, and the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder have advanced to the semifinals. Both teams will head to Las Vegas for Saturday’s matchups, eyeing a chance at the championship.

Bucks edge past Magic

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball in front of Jaylin Galloway #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Milwaukee, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, defeated the Orlando Magic in a close 114-109 quarterfinal. Antetokounmpo and Lillard combined for 65 points, showcasing their star power. The Bucks are back in the semifinals for the second year in a row after losing to the Pacers at this stage in 2023.

Thunder dominate Mavericks

The Thunder cruised to a comfortable 118-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks in their quarterfinal matchup. Oklahoma City now awaits the winner of the Rockets-Warriors game for their semifinal clash in Las Vegas.

Remaining quarterfinal games

Two more quarterfinal games will determine the final teams heading to the semifinals:

Hawks vs. Knicks – Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN/fubo)
Warriors vs. Rockets – Wednesday, Dec. 11, 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT, Max, TruTV)

NBA Cup schedule

Semifinals (Saturday, Dec. 14)

TBD vs. TBD, 4:30 p.m. ET (TNT, Max, TruTV)
TBD vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC/fubo)

Final (Tuesday, Dec. 17)

TBD vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC/fubo)

The NBA Cup has already delivered exciting games, and the road to the championship continues to heat up. Will the Knicks or Warriors join the Bucks and Thunder in the semifinals? Stay tuned.

Tamara Fellner