Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis opened up about his deep connection to the team and the hurdles they face in the NBA Cup during an exclusive interview with Marca’s Nacho Garca. Portis, one of the league’s top bench contributors, praised the chemistry and camaraderie within the 2021 NBA Championship squad, expressing how much he enjoys being part of such a tight-knit group.

In his fourth season with the Bucks, Portis has become a cornerstone of their second unit, bringing energy, effort, and passion every time he steps on the floor. The forward averaged an impressive 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in the 2023-24 regular season, showcasing his consistent impact for Milwaukee.

The Bucks’ road to the NBA Cup Championship Game has not been easy. After falling short in last year’s semifinals, Milwaukee came back stronger, eliminating the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks en route to the final. Portis highlighted the challenges posed by the tournament format, noting how every team elevates their game under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Milwaukee’s 110-102 semifinal victory over Atlanta saw Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard lead the charge, combining for 57 points.

OKC’s depth vs. Milwaukee’s resolve: A high-stakes NBA Cup showdown awaits

The Thunder, meanwhile, earned their spot with a dominant semifinal win over the Houston Rockets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC’s deep supporting cast, including Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort, pose a serious threat to Milwaukee’s title hopes.

With $500,000 on the line for each player, Portis sees the NBA Cup as both a unique challenge and an opportunity for the Bucks to make an early-season statement.

As Milwaukee and OKC prepare to clash under the spotlight in Las Vegas, Portis remains confident in the Bucks’ resolve. The NBA Cup Championship Game tips off this Wednesday, December 18, at 12:30 p.m. AEDT live on ESPN, as both teams aim to lift the first piece of NBA silverware this season.