Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 factors for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder whereas Giannis Antetokounmpo sank 37 factors for Milwaukee Bucks as they impressed their sides to achieve the NBA Cup semi-finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander notched 5 of his facet’s season-high 20 three pointers of their 118-104 victory towards the visiting Dallas Mavericks of their Western Convention quarter-final.
He additionally contributed eight rebounds, 5 assists and three steals, with the Thunder pulling away within the third quarter once they turned a 3 level half-time benefit right into a 90-73 lead.
Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall prime scored with 19 factors for the Mavericks, whereas team-mate Luka Doncic was restricted to 16 factors.
They may play both the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets within the Western Convention semi-final when the competitors strikes to Las Vegas for the ultimate levels.
In Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo’s exploits helped the Bucks to a hard-fought 114-109 win towards the Orlando Magic of their Jap Convention quarter-final.
Damian Lillard was additionally key for Milwaukee as he sank a step-back three-pointer to tie the sport at 106 apiece with 52.2 seconds left earlier than including a lay-up and 4 free throws.
Lillard scored 15 of his 28 factors within the fourth quarter and in addition contributed 9 assists.
The Bucks, who will play the Atlanta Hawks or the New York Knicks within the final 4, reached the semi-finals of the inaugural in-season NBA Cup final season earlier than being overwhelmed by the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas.
“We did not have the best expertise there final 12 months,” mentioned Lillard.
“So I believe all of us are considering [about] going again and ending what we began final 12 months and doing it proper this time.”