The stage is now set for Tuesday night in Las Vegas, where the Milwaukee Bucks and OKC Thunder will battle for the Emirates NBA Cup title.
These two teams are far from similar. The Bucks are the seasoned pros with boatloads of experience, while the Thunder are the young, energetic squad on the rise, dominating in the Western Conference. It should be a fantastic clash and a great test for a Milwaukee team that has struggled against young, athletic teams like this one at times this season.
This single-elimination game could be defined by the matchups deployed by each coach. That said, let us analyze three key matchups that will likely play a part.
Andre Jackson Jr. defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Doc Rivers added Andre Jackson Jr. to the starting lineup because he knew the defensive potential the youngster possesses. Most nights, the rising wing is defending the opposing team's top scorer, and the sophomore has done a great job. Now, he will have one of his toughest matchups of the year yet when he faces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Right off the bat, SGA loves getting to the free throw line; he's third in the NBA in free throw attempts on the season. He'll do what he can to bait Jackson into fouling, and the rising wing must do what he can to stay out of foul trouble. Fouling has been arguably Jackson's biggest career weakness, and this will be a great test to see if he can get a grip on an issue that has consistently plagued him.
Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 30.3 points per game this season, is the head of the snake for OKC, and if Jackson can limit him, it would be a huge lift in Milwaukee's favor.
Lu Dort/Alex Caruso defending Damian Lillard
The Thunder are an excellent defensive team, and a prominent reason is their pair of defensive aces in Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. Those two can take on the toughest of matchups on any given night, and they will both likely spend plenty of time trying to slow down Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard, one of the most fearsome three-level scorers in the game today.
This will be a thrilling clash. These three are some of the best players at what they do, and it will be a major X-factor in this game as to which side can come out on top. For the Bucks, they need Lillard to be at his best, especially with Khris Middleton still trying to find his footing. Knowing what's at stake may bring out the best version of Damian Lillard.
Jalen Williams defending Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Thunder do not have a lot of size to combat the towering Giannis Antetokounmpo, especially with star big man Chet Holmgren on the sidelines. Isaiah Hartenstein is an option, but he will likely be tied up with Brook Lopez in a duel of the centers. The likeliest player to start off on the Greek Freak is Jalen Williams, who is five inches shorter than Giannis.
With such a monstrous size advantage, OKC will likely send help toward Williams at times. If they do, Giannis can put his passing prowess to good use and find the open man. If they do not, perhaps he can use his size and punish the smaller defender. It will be fascinating to see what the Thunder draw up to slow down the NBA's leading scorer and a dominant force.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.