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The Emirates NBA Cup 2024 concluded on Tuesday evening in Las Vegas and there were interesting takeaways on and off the court. Kevin O’Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh (of The Big Number) to react to the Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, what it means for both teams involved and a post-game story, which should not be overlooked.
On the hardwood, the Bucks cruised to an easy 97-81 win over OKC, and Giannis Antetokounmpo seemed unstoppable while the Thunder couldn’t get their offense going at all. The guys discuss how OKC may be a little too defense-heavy in its roster construction and why a trade for elite three-point shooters needs to be considered this winter.
Things looked different in the locker room after the game. The Bucks left the league-provided champagne and beer celebration untouched; Kevin and Tom explain why Milwaukee’s lack of enthusiasm to win the Cup is a bad reflection for the league.
Things are also looking bad for the league – TV ratings have fallen. The guys discuss growing concerns around the NBA about the league’s declining TV audience amid record attendance and social media reach, dismiss a few rule changes that could increase fan interest in the sport, and discuss the new All-Star 2025 game format.
(0:00) – New York handily defeats Minnesota in KAT’s return
(9:00) – Milwaukee defeats OKC in the NBA Cup Finals
(26:15) – Bucks don’t celebrate NBA Cup victory: Bad look?
(31:15) – Declining NBA TV ratings
(50:45) – Changes to the 2025 All-Star Game: good or bad?
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