By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
European superstars, both regulars with their respective national teams, are on a collision course in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to clash on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Cleared after missing one game due to a left quad contusion, the 32-year-old Serbian winger helped the Atlanta Hawks outlast the New York Knicks, 108-100, in the Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. The Greek international and the Bucks have been waiting for the next opponent since defeating the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.
In his usual role, coming off the bench for the team guided by Quin Snyder, Bogdanovic lasted nearly 24 minutes. He made 3/9 field goals, including one three-pointer to extend his streak to 101 games, en route to seven points alongside two assists, two rebounds, one block, and one steal.
Swiss center Clint Capela recorded his sixth double-double of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season by pairing 11 points with 13 rebounds. He also threw in one assist, playing just under 25 minutes.
French Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick of the 2024 draft, was limited to two points with 1/8 field goals, besides tallying two assists, one block, and one rebound over 17 minutes.
Fellow European teammate, Czech Vit Krejci had three rebounds and one assist in eight minutes.
Trae Young posting a 22-point, 11-assist double-double was the driving force, leading his side to the Semifinals of the Cup. Before knocking out the Knicks on the road, the Hawks were already responsible for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers failing to survive group play.
For the hosts of the Quarterfinals fixture, British O.G. Anunoby tucked in 13 points with 5/17 from the field. Over 39 minutes, he added six rebounds, three blocks, one steal, and one assist.
Further European options for head coach Tom Thibodeau, French Pacome Dadiet stayed on the bench and German Ariel Hukporti was sidelined with a sprained left ankle.