The first-ever NBA Cup tournament has concluded, and the league has officially announced its All-Tournament Team, headlined by Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Oklahoma City Thunder standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The pair led a star-studded roster of players who delivered extraordinary performances during the groundbreaking midseason event, cementing their places as two of the NBA’s most electrifying talents.
The NBA Cup, introduced this season as an in-season tournament to inject fresh excitement into the league, saw a mix of high-stakes games and thrilling moments. The All-Tournament Team honors the best individual performances throughout the competition, highlighting players who elevated their games when it mattered most.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: A Force of Nature
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and Finals MVP, once again showcased why he is one of the most dominant players in NBA history. Leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the semifinals, Antetokounmpo averaged 32.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists during the tournament, delivering jaw-dropping performances on both ends of the floor.
In a particularly memorable game against the Boston Celtics in the quarterfinals, Antetokounmpo dropped a 45-point, 15-rebound masterpiece, including a clutch block on Jayson Tatum that sealed the Bucks’ victory. His ability to dominate in transition, finish at the rim, and facilitate for his teammates made him an undeniable selection for the All-Tournament Team.
“I love the competitive spirit of this tournament,” Antetokounmpo said after the Bucks’ elimination in the semifinals. “Every game felt like a playoff game, and I think it brought out the best in all of us.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Rising Star
If the NBA Cup proved anything, it’s that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to stake his claim among the league’s elite. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard dazzled throughout the tournament, averaging 29.3 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds while leading the Thunder to a strong showing in the group stage.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s smooth scoring ability, coupled with his composure in crunch-time situations, made him a standout performer. His 38-point, 10-assist outing against the Golden State Warriors in a pivotal group-stage game was one of the tournament’s defining performances. Whether creating off the dribble, sinking clutch jumpers, or locking down opponents on defense, SGA proved he belongs on the NBA’s biggest stages.
“The NBA Cup was a chance to compete at a high level, and I think our team embraced that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s great to see OKC being recognized, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Other All-Tournament Team Selections
Joining Antetokounmpo and Gilgeous-Alexander on the All-Tournament Team were the following players:
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): At age 39, LeBron continues to defy Father Time, leading the Lakers to the NBA Cup finals. Averaging 28.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, James delivered vintage performances, including a triple-double in the semifinals against the Phoenix Suns.
De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings):The Kings’ speedy point guard shined in the tournament, averaging 31.4 points and 6.8 assists while leading Sacramento to the quarterfinals. Fox’s clutch performances, including a game-winner against the Timberwolves, earned him a well-deserved spot on the team.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): The reigning MVP was a dominant force for the Sixers, averaging 30.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. Embiid’s rim protection and offensive versatility were key to Philadelphia’s deep run in the tournament.
Impact of the NBA Cup
The inaugural NBA Cup has been widely regarded as a success, infusing the regular season with playoff-like intensity. The tournament brought new excitement to the league, with players and fans alike embracing the heightened stakes.
Commissioner Adam Silver praised the event during a post-tournament press conference:
“The NBA Cup has exceeded our expectations. The competitiveness and passion we saw on the court were incredible. This All-Tournament Team represents the best of what this event is about—elite talent rising to the occasion.”
Looking Ahead
As the NBA Cup becomes an annual tradition, the performances of players like Antetokounmpo, Gilgeous-Alexander, and others set a high standard for future tournaments. Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about which teams and players will shine in next year’s edition.
For now, the spotlight belongs to the All-Tournament Team honorees, who reminded the basketball world why they are among the game’s brightest stars. Whether it’s Giannis’s ferocious dunks, SGA’s silky drives, or LeBron’s timeless brilliance, the NBA Cup has left a lasting impression on the league—and it’s only the beginning.
