New York, Dec 12 (Agency) The second annual NBA Cup’s knockout phase began with a Tuesday night doubleheader of quarterfinal games.The first contest between the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks went down to the wire with the Bucks winning 114-109 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, according to a Cnn report.Down 107-106 late in the fourth quarter, Bucks guard Damian Lillard capitalized on the Magic’s defensive breakdown, driving easily to the basket for the go-ahead uncontested layup with less than 33 seconds remaining in regulation. The eight-time All-Star finished with 28 points and nine assists and the NBA’s leading scorer, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, had a game-high 37 points. For the second time in as many editions of the in-season tournament, Milwaukee has advanced to the Eastern conference semifinal. The Bucks lost in last season’s semifinals to the Indiana Pacers, a memory that was fresh in the mind of Lillard. “We didn’t have the greatest of experience there last year,” the 34-year-old said after the victory. “So, I think all of us are thinking, going back and finishing what we started last year and doing it right this time.” Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 39 points in the game, more than Dončić (16) and Irving (17) combined.
The Thunder attempted a mind-boggling 50 three-pointers, making 20 for an even 40% shooting from long range. “It had a little bit of a playoff feel, a little bit more at stake than just a regular season game. I’m proud of the team. I’m proud of the guys. We rose to the moment and beat a good basketball team,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. The remaining pair of NBA Cup quarterfinal contests will be played on Wednesday night. The early game will take place at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” as the New York Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks, led by recent Madison Square Garden villain Trae Young.The Thunder will await the winner of that game while the Bucks will face the winner of the Hawks-Knicks tilt. The semifinal games will tip off on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and the final will be played on Tuesday at the same venue.