Giannis Antetokounmpo Stats Tonight: How did NBA Cup MVP fare against Cavaliers? (Dec. 20) 

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, fresh off their Emirates NBA Cup victory, were eager to keep their momentum going as they took on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Eastern Conference's top seed, on Friday. However, they were overwhelmed by a 124-101 defeat.

Antetokounmpo was named the Emirates NBA Cup MVP after leading the Bucks to a dominant 97-81 win over the OKC Thunder in the final, with an impressive 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists.

While the Cup victory was significant, the Bucks have larger aspirations, focusing on a championship that extends beyond the in-season tournament, and their game against the Cavaliers marked a return to the grind of the regular season.

Antetokounmpo continued his MVP-caliber performance, recording 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the first half. He was the only Bucks player to reach double figures, as the team played without Damian Lillard.

Despite Antetokounmpo’s efforts, the Cavaliers dominated the first half, taking a 69-51 lead.

Antetokounmpo added 15 points and six rebounds in the second half but couldn't help the Bucks overcome the Cavaliers, who hit 20 3-pointers to secure the win.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 27 points, while Dean Wade and Evan Mobley each contributed 15 points. Darius Garland also chipped in with 16 points and five assists.

Here are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stats from the game:

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Giannis Antetokounmpo	6:25	33	14	3	13	22	59.1	1	1	100	6	10	60	2	12	3	0	5	2	-19

Giannis Antetokounmpo says NBA Cup prize money helpful for teammates

The NBA Cup championship earned Milwaukee Bucks players $514,000 in prize money, which Giannis Antetokounmpo noted was particularly helpful for teammates with smaller contracts. Upon receiving the MVP award for the tournament, Antetokounmpo expressed his satisfaction in securing money for his teammates.

“I don’t know why I got the MVP. I’m happy that I got it. I don’t take it for granted. I’m most happy we got to win the game. Some of my teammates got life-changing money,” he said (per NBA.com)

“After the game, I went to the locker room and I saw smiles on their faces.”

The Cup title and MVP honor add to Antetokounmpo’s already impressive resume, which includes being an eight-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive team member, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year and two-time NBA MVP.