Doc Rivers set the record straight that he and the Milwaukee Bucks have their eyes on the prize of this season’s Emirates NBA Cup.
Speaking in front of the media right after their 114-109 knockout round victory against the Orlando Magic, the Bucks mentor detailed how important it was to take a big step closer to their goal of winning the entire tournament.
“It’s huge for us. This is what we wanted to do. And you set a goal and you try to reach [it], right? Our goal is not just to get to Vegas. We want to win this thing,” Rivers said.
“So we got two more games left, but it’s good to get there. You’ve got to get there first and we’ve done that.”
Bucks roll to Vegas for second consecutive year
With the win against the Magic, the Bucks have booked their trip to the semifinal round of the NBA Cup — marking the second straight season that they’ll arrive and play under the bright lights of Sin City.
Last season, the Bucks notably saw a huge upset after being eliminated in the semis by the Indiana Pacers, igniting a little rivalry between Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton.
Tyrese Haliburton just snatched Damian Lillard’s chain on the national stage then mocked his signature celebration
This dude is stamped. pic.twitter.com/UchxbOouJZ
— dean 🦂 (@DeanScorpion_) December 8, 2023
As such, the Los Angeles Lakers went on to win the inaugural competition’s championship, bagging around $500,000 for each player of the team.
Being the only returning group from last year’s final four teams in Las Vegas, the Bucks couldn’t be more eager to draw a redemption play this time and clinch the NBA Cup title. They dominated the qualifying round by winning the East Group B with a 4-0 record and were the No. 1 overall seed in the Eastern Conference.
Regroup and Prepare
Even though they are now in waiting mode and anticipating the opponent they’ll face in the semis, the Bucks have no reason to take their foot off the gas pedal.
Milwaukee found troubles in facing the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks this season. The Bucks faced both teams one game apiece thus far this year and eventually suffered double-digit losses.
Whomever squad survives and wins the knockout game, Rivers and the Bucks can only be wary of a major battle that awaits them. Like Milwaukee, New York and Atlanta are on the rise as two of the East’s early top contenders.
For now, the Bucks should tune in and scout the team they could face up next as both the Knicks and the Hawks are set for their own quarter-final battle this Thursday.
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