LAS VEGAS — The championship game held on Tuesday night between Milwaukee and Oklahoma City may not have reached the intensity typically associated with playoff matchups, but the vibrant energy that has been a hallmark of this year’s NBA Cup was certainly heightened.

With a trophy at stake and a considerable monetary reward on the line, it was evident that this encounter was far from an ordinary mid-December game, despite its lack of impact on the standings.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault described the atmosphere as resembling an upgraded regular season game rather than a playoff clash. “The timing of the year factors into it, as well as the difference between a series and a single-elimination game. Competing against strong opponents in a high-stakes context certainly provides valuable experience for our team in December,” he noted following his team’s 97-81 defeat against the Bucks.

By the early third quarter, four technical fouls had already been issued, although the frequency of fouls dropped off as the Bucks started to dominate and lessen any suspense surrounding the outcome.

Tension peaked late in the first half when a minor altercation occurred involving Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein and Milwaukee’s Andre Jackson Jr. After Jackson’s physical play against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Hartenstein confronted him, resulting in a face-off where Hartenstein pointed at Jackson, who slapped his finger away. Teammates quickly intervened to prevent escalation.

“If it had happened to anyone else on the team, I would have responded the same way,” Hartenstein stated. “If the referees overlook it, it’s up to me to react. Perhaps they didn’t see the foul, but I did.”

A pivotal moment came early in the third quarter when Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort and Daigneault received technical fouls amidst a scramble for a loose ball. Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard capitalized on this, sinking both free throws and then launching a 30-foot three-pointer, effectively scoring five points in just four seconds to push the score to 64-53.

The Thunder were unable to mount a serious challenge thereafter.

“I expressed my concerns to the referees,” Daigneault said. “I prefer not to elaborate further. I appreciate their work; they didn’t cost us the game.”

Milwaukee’s performance was commendable, with coach Doc Rivers praising his team’s competitive spirit, especially on the defensive front.

The Thunder struggled offensively, only managing their lowest point tally of the season, far below their usual average of 115.6 points per game; their previous low had been a 99-83 victory against the Phoenix Suns in mid-November.

“One of the players mentioned how all they could focus on for two days leading up to the game was the other team’s defense,” Rivers explained. “That clearly had an impact on our players’ mindset, pushing them to maintain a stifling defensive effort.”

This year marked the second instance of the NBA Cup being held, with the first season—formerly named the NBA In-Season Tournament—serving as a trial run as teams adjusted to the concept.

Returning for a second year introduced a heightened competitive dynamic, evident not just in the finals but also throughout both the group stages and knockout rounds.

“I get the sense that teams are more invested in the event this time around,” Lillard remarked. “There seems to be a bit more pride in competing for a chance to win in Las Vegas at the end.”