Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks claimed the second-ever Emirates NBA Cup with a commanding 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, becoming the first Eastern Conference team to win the title.
Despite the milestone, the Bucks opted for a muted celebration. Instead of popping champagne in the locker room, the team chose to focus on the long road ahead in the regular season.
“Bucks coach Doc Rivers told me, after talking with Darvin Ham about his experience with the Lakers last season, they decided not to celebrate the NBA Cup with champagne or drinks. They want to stay locked in for the remainder of the season,” shared Chris Haynes on X (formerly Twitter).
The NBA had prepared for a traditional locker room celebration with champagne, Michelob Ultra, and safety goggles, but the Bucks left it untouched.
This decision was influenced by assistant coach Darvin Ham, who had firsthand experience with the tournament as the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach last season. Ham’s Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup but struggled with a slump afterward, requiring a late-season push to recover.
Ham’s flawless NBA Cup record now stands at 14-0, having played a key role in Milwaukee’s run this year. His guidance reflects a strategic shift—keeping the focus on sustained success rather than a fleeting celebration.
For the Bucks, the victory underscores a remarkable turnaround from their rocky 2-8 season start. Though the win doesn’t impact the NBA standings, it signals a team gaining momentum and staying sharp for the challenges ahead.