The Milwaukee Bucks are just two wins away from the inaugural crown of the NBA In-Season Tournament, and coach Adrian Griffin said they are determined to go all the way.
Griffin warned that Milwaukee would go all-out in the final two games of the competition, believing that winning the NBA Cup would serve as a big statement.
“You come out of this thing on top; I think it’s a pretty strong statement and something that everybody around the league has to respect,” Griffin said.
The Bucks moved to the semifinal round of the In-Season Tournament after they routed the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, 146-122.
With so much at stake in the Cup, including a huge cash prize, games in the In-Season Tournament have been competitive.
The Bucks have been a tough nut to crack in the competition, where they are 5-0. The other team that remains unbeaten in the tournament is the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also 5-0. The Lakers will play the New Orleans Pelicans in the other semis duel.
Griffin said total team effort was vital in the semifinal-clinching win against the Knicks.
“Tonight was a huge step. We wanted to get to Vegas, but when we got to Vegas, we had to take care of business. We’ve got two games to win there. I thought tonight our team was the better team. Our bench was terrific, and I thought the crowd was terrific. It had all the makings of a playoff game,” Griffin said.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 35 points and ten assists in the win, while Damian Lillard had 28 points.
Up next for the Bucks are the Indiana Pacers, who booked their semis slot by ousting the Boston Celtics in their quarterfinal duel. Milwaukee lost to Indiana in their previous meeting this season, 126-14.
While the Pacers came out on top in their first meeting, Lillard is optimistic about their chances when they meet the same Indiana team in the semis.
“We expect their best, but when we are at our best, I love our chances,” said Lillard, who didn’t play in that two-point loss to Indiana.
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