5 things Milwaukee Bucks must do to beat OKC Thunder in 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Final
For the Milwaukee Bucks, winning the finals of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup would cap off a comeback story of sorts. After starting the season with a dismal 2-8 record, the Bucks won 12 of their next 15 games. A victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas will give them more momentum as they look to climb the standings in the East.
It's clear, though, that Giannis Antetokounmpo and his crew have their work cut out. At 20-5, the Thunder reign atop the West, thanks in large part to their impeccable defense. So, Bucks coach Doc Rivers has to push the right buttons if Milwaukee is to hoist the NBA Cup on Tuesday.
Five things the Milwaukee Bucks need to do to beat the OKC Thunder
Here are five key areas the Bucks will have to consider in their game plan against OKC:
#1 Outside shooting: The Milwaukee Bucks' edge
As far as outside shooting goes, the Milwaukee Bucks have proven to be one of the most proficient teams this season. Third in the league with a 38.9% clip from distance, the Bucks can get back in games and build on leads by connecting on their outside shots.
Aside from their closer Damian Lillard, Milwaukee could harness sharpshooters Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and AJ Green to space the floor in the OKC game.
#2 Offensive rebounds: Nowhere to go but up for the Bucks
Unlike their outside shooting, the Bucks are dead-last in the league when it comes to offensive rebounding (only eight offensive boards a game).
If the battle-tested frontcourt of Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis Jr. can get more boards off the offensive glass, shooters like Lillard and Prince could put up more treys as the OKC defenders scramble.
It should be noted that the Thunder isn't a particularly fearsome team either in this category. OKC is 19th in the league with 10.4 offensive rebounds per game.
#3 Giving up 3s: A better defensive option for Milwaukee
Here's one more thing the Milwaukee Bucks have to think about in the category of outside shooting: The OKC Thunder are a middling team, averaging just 35.1% from distance as the 19th best team in the league.
If Milwaukee can pack the paint and force OKC to shoot a higher volume of 3s, they could have a good shot to win. However, if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets paint touches more often than not, the Thunder could get their offense humming against the Bucks.
#4 Turnovers: A huge no-no against OKC
No other team in the NBA thrives as well off turnovers as the Thunder. They lead the league in points off turnovers, at 22.7 points a game, which means the Bucks will have to meticulously handle the ball in the NBA Cup Final.
Milwaukee is a top-10 team in terms of protecting the ball, while OKC commits the fewest turnovers among all 30 ball clubs.
#5 Limiting OKC's trips to the line: A must for Milwaukee
Yet another scoring outlet for OKC is the charity stripe; they lead the league in free throw percentage, making 81% of their bonus shots.
It means that the Milwaukee Bucks need to play disciplined defense, using footwork and team synergy rather than reckless hands. Limiting OKC's free throw attempts could be another way to victory for Milwaukee in the NBA Cup Final.