The NBA Cup 2024 semifinals are here. Some media and fans have expressed disappointment at not seeing any of the league’s big names in the tournament’s final phase. Marca analyst Nacho Garcia believes this could start new and exciting rivalries.

After three weeks of intense competition, the NBA Cup final four has finally been defined. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks will face off at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, to decide the champion.

In this regard, Garcia admitted that perhaps the teams everyone would have wanted will not be there. “We don’t have mediatic teams, mediatic players. We don’t have teams from New York, we don’t have LA teams,” but beyond that, the analyst highlighted the potential that this tournament offers for the future of the NBA.

The NBA Cup final is full of talent

In an analysis from the T-Mobile Arena, Garcia highlighted that Oklahoma City, Houston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta “are four of the best teams in the NBA right now. The two top teams on the West are Oklahoma and Houston, and they’re also the best teams on zone defense.”

These clashes have the exciting potential to create new rivalries beyond those that currently exist, renewing interest in the league among the existing public and attracting new audiences.

Furthermore, the Marca analyst highlighted that three of the four coaches who will compete in the semifinals are the league’s future. According to Garcia, the media and fans should keep an eye on Ime Udoka (ATL), Quin Snyder (HOU), and Mark Daigneault (OKC), as they will shape future NBA campaigns.

NBA Cup Finals

The NBA Cup semifinals will tip off this Saturday with the Bucks-Hawks game, followed by the Thunder-Rockets matchup. The two winners will meet in the final on Tuesday, December 17, at the same venue.

If Garcia is right, the winner will not only lift the second NBA Cup but could be the team to beat this season and even in the years to come.