BPHS previews the 2024 NBA cup finals

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer • December 17, 2024

The Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder are to set to tip off in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Final. Photo courtesy of NBA.com

NBA fans across BPHS are on the edge of their seats to see the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup final.

On Dec. 17, the highly-anticipated match-up between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Milwaukee Bucks takes place.

This marks the second iteration of the prestigious event following last year’s thriller featuring the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Indiana Pacers.

Both teams head in with an all-star line-up as the Bucks, led by one-time NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo take on the Thunder flagged by starting point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

There is also a fantastic surrounding cast for the two finalists including the sharpshooting prowess of Khris Middleton and the fiery offensive skills of Damian Lillard, who has made a significant impact since his arrival for the Bucks.

This trio forms a formidable offensive unit, capable of turning the tide of any game with their scoring ability and clutch performances.

On the other hand, the Thunder represent the future of the NBA, with their young and dynamic roster that has captivated NBA fans everywhere.

The Thunder offer the talented duo of Chet Holmgren, the versatile big man with an impressive shooting touch, and Jaylen Williams, whose playmaking and defensive skills provide crucial support.

While both teams head into the final of the in-season tournament with momentum, it hasn’t been an easy road for either team.

The Bucks didn’t have the most favorable start to the season facing significant challenges and adversity.

The Milwaukee team started 2-8 in their first 10 games but has now caught fire since their quarterfinal victory over the Orlando Magic and their semifinal victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Milwaukee Bucks currently stand at 14-11.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Thunder have had a dominant start to the season. They went undefeated in their first seven games and entered the tournament at 20-5.

Strong victories over the Dallas Mavericks in the quarterfinal and the Houston Rockets in the semifinal make them the heavy favorites to win the cup.

There is a lot on the line for both teams, as the winner of the in-season tournament will receive $500,000 per player. The runner-up will receive $200,000 per player in compensation.

The final promises to be a spectacle, as both teams boast all-star lineups and complementary pieces that could make the difference in a closely contested match.

Regardless of the outcome, this final will be a testament to the grit, determination, and talent that defines modern-day basketball, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown that will leave a permanent mark on the sport.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer