Bad look for the NBA: Bucks don't celebrate NBA Cup & declining NBA ratings

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup wrapped up on Tuesday night in Las Vegas and there were interesting takeaways both on and off the court. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh (of The Big Number) to react to the Milwaukee Bucks win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, what it means for both teams involved and a post-game story that should not go overlooked.

On the hardwood, the Bucks notched an easy 97-81 win over OKC, and Giannis Antetokounmpo looked unstoppable, while the Thunder could not get their offense going at all. The guys discuss how OKC may be a bit too defense-heavy in their roster construction and why a trade for elite three-point shooting must be considered this winter.

In the locker room after the game, it was a different story. The Bucks left the league's provided champagne and beer celebration untouched; Kevin & Tom explain why Milwaukee's lack of enthusiasm for winning the Cup is a bad look for the league.

Also a bad look for the league — TV ratings are down. The guys discuss growing concern around the NBA of the league's declining TV audience in the face of record in-game attendance and social media reach, throw out a few rule changes that could improve fan interest in the sport & discuss the new 2025 All-Star Game format.

(0:00) - New York soundly defeats Minnesota in KAT's return

(9:00) - Milwaukee defeats OKC in NBA Cup Final

(26:15) - Bucks don't celebrate NBA Cup win: bad look?

(31:15) - Declining NBA TV ratings

(50:45) - 2025 All-Star Game changes: good or bad?

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network