Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks heading to NBA Cup Finals

Beyond the chance to achieve the rare distinction of leaving Las Vegas with more money than when they arrived, even players who have won a considerably more coveted championship can appreciate the experience. The NBA dressed up the event, including Friday’s practices and media day, with a setup that was a cross between All-Star events and the Finals and achieved a sense that just being in Las Vegas for Saturday’s games is evidence of success. “I overheard a couple players while we were walking in, and they said, ‘Oh, wow, this is real,’ ” Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said. “That’s how I felt last year. So it’s a good environment. I love it. I love playing against the best players, tough games, good environment.” -via Houston Chronicle / December 14, 2024

Doc Rivers has almost seen what the on-court chemistry between Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo looks like. After all, the Milwaukee Bucks head coach hasn’t had the pair together (let alone with Damian Lillard) for too many games since taking over the job on Jan. 29 last season. “It’s funny, I haven’t had him a lot since I’ve been here, but it’s amazing how − trying to find the right word − how adventuresome you become offensively and running stuff out of timeouts because he has the ball in his hands,” Rivers said. “And his relationship with Giannis, you can see right away. They didn’t connect in the Boston game. I think they had three lobs where those would have been lobs in normal circumstances but it was (Middleton’s) first game back. But they have an amazing connection. Him and Dame connected on two in the Brooklyn game. You can see that growing.” -via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel / December 14, 2024

Brad Rowland: The Bucks are listing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and MarJon Beauchamp as probable for Saturday’s game against the Hawks. -via Bluesky / December 13, 2024