Tensions flare for NBA Cup title game between Bucks and Thunder

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tuesday night's championship between Milwaukee and Oklahoma City didn't quite have the intensity of a playoff game, but the high energy that has typified the second version of the NBA Cup was ratcheted up. With a trophy — and a significant amount of money on the...

Giannis, Bucks use 3-point barrage to beat Thunder 97-81 for NBA Cup title

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Everyone has a lucky number in Las Vegas. For the Milwaukee Bucks, it was 3. And the NBA Cup was their prize. Tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points to go along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 23 points and the...

NBA Cup final was a contrast in spending styles, and the league is just fine with that

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA Cup finalists had different styles in how they play. And how they spend. Tuesday night's title game in Las Vegas between Milwaukee and Oklahoma City pitted a team in the Bucks that's over the NBA's second apron — a threshold that, once exceeded, limits...

The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 to win NBA Cup

NBA announces All-Star tournament plan for this season: 4 teams, 3 games, 1 night

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA 's All-Star Game is going to be an All-Star tournament this season, with the league announcing on Tuesday that it has finalized plans to use a different format for the upcoming midseason showcase in San Francisco. And scoring is sure to be down — way,...

Bucks rule Khris Middleton out of NBA Cup final because of illness

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton was ruled out of Tuesday night's NBA Cup final against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of illness. Middleton didn't practice on Monday, and the Bucks felt he wasn't ready to play a day later. The team is hoping he'll be ready...

The Bucks-Thunder NBA Cup final will have a lot of money at stake

LAS VEGAS (AP) — When the Milwaukee Bucks clinched their spot in the NBA Cup championship game, plenty of the team's younger and lesser-paid players were exuberant in the locker room. Yes, they have a chance at a trophy. Those are nice. They'll also have a chance at...

Bucks guard Khris Middleton misses practice with illness on eve of NBA Cup final

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton missed practice Monday because of illness, leaving his status for the NBA Cup final against the Oklahoma City Thunder somewhat unclear. The Bucks and Thunder play for the Cup on Tuesday night. Middleton has...

Rockets-Thunder NBA Cup semifinal was a clash of defense, and it was predictable

LAS VEGAS (AP) — It was midway through the third quarter of the Oklahoma City-Houston NBA Cup semifinal matchup on Saturday night. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had just made a short jumper in the lane and, to his delight, a time-out was immediately called. He needed it. ...

Gilgeous-Alexander scores 32 points to lead Thunder past Rockets 111-96 and into NBA Cup Final

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 of his 32 points in the second half, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away late Saturday night to defeat the Houston Rockets 111-96 and advance to the NBA Cup championship. The Thunder take a five-game winning streak into...