The cast is finally complete.
After seven thrilling game dates, the NBA Cup group stage concluded with the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks carrying their unbeaten slate into the do-or-die knockout rounds that will begin on Wednesday, December 11 (PH Time).
BUCKS, THUNDER, KNICKS TOP RESPECTIVE GROUPS AS MAGIC, MAVS NAB WILDCARD SLOTS
- Milwaukee Bucks (11-9) def. Detroit Pistons (9-14), 128-107: Giannis Antetokoumpo and Damian Lillard combined for 55 points as the red-hot Bucks clinched the East Group B top spot after eliminating the Pistons.
- Beastin’ and Feastin’: Antetokounmpo fired 28 and missed just one shot from the field as Lillard added 27 for the Bucks, who rolled to a seventh-straight win and will face the Orlando Magic at home in the next round.
- OKC Thunder (16-5) def. Utah Jazz (4-17), 133-106: After taking care of business against the Jazz, the Thunder topped the West Group B with the Spurs losing to the Suns.
- Spicy Rematch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams joint forces with 54-point outing as the West-leading Thunder set up a blockbuster duel against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks with a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals on the line.
With a loss by the Spurs, the Thunder punch their ticket to the knockout rounds ?@okcthunder | #EmiratesNBACup
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 4, 2024
- New York Knicks (13-8) def. Orlando Magic (15-8), 121-106: The Knicks cooled off the surging Magic to reign supreme in East Group A.
[ALSO READ: Knicks through to NBA Cup KO quarterfinals, pummel Magic to top East Group A]
- Dallas Mavericks (14-8) def. Memphis Grizzlies (14-8), 121-116: The Mavericks rode a clutch 18-5 run to frustrate the Grizzlies at home en route to clinching the West wildcard spot.
- Halle-Luka: Luka Doncic dazzled with a 37-point, 12-rebound outing as the Mavericks (+46) upended the Suns (+30) in point differential when all is said and done.
SIXERS GONE STREAKING FOR THE FIRST TIME; NUGGETS, CAVS BOW OUT IN STYLE IN NBA CUP
- Philadelphia 76ers (5-14) def. Charlotte Hornets (6-15), 110-104: Paul George finished with 29 points and eight assists as the Sixers won back-to-back games for the first time this season.
- Denver Nuggets (11-8) def. Golden State Warriors (12-8), 119-115: Nikola Jokic went for a 38-10-6 game in a wild Nuggets comeback from 11 points down to overcome the NBA Cup quarterfinal-bound Warriors.
[ALSO READ: Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets assert mastery over Warriors, closes NBA Cup campaign on a high]
- Cleveland Cavaliers (19-3) def. Washington Wizards (4-18), 118-87: The NBA-best Cavaliers sent the Wizards reeling to a 15th straight loss after a 31-point romp at home.
- Toronto Raptors (7-15) def. Indiana Pacers (9-13), 122-111: Scottie Barnes put up a career-high 35 points as the Raptors sent the Pacers to their seventh straight road loss.
- Phoenix Suns (12-8) def. San Antonio Spurs (11-10), 104-93: Devin Booker reached 15,000 career points and fired 29 markers in taking down Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.
- Tough Luck: Booker led Phoenix with 29 points, his fourth straight game scoring 25 points or more, but the Suns lost Kevin Durant due to an ankle injury.
DEVIN BOOKER.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 4, 2024
?? Game-high 29 points
?? 4th straight 25+ point game
?? Eclipsed 15,000 career points tonight
- LA Clippers (14-9) def. Portland Trail Blazers (8-14), 127-105: James Harden’s historic night propelled the Clippers past the Trail Blazers.
- Move Over, Hondo and Truth: Harden passed both Celtics legends John Havlicek and Paul Pierce to move into the no. 17 spot in the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He now has 26,398 points, needing 100 more to pass Tim Duncan for the 16th place.
And Harden's next 3PM moves him into 17th on the all-time scoring list! https://t.co/62LjqjhZRa
— NBA (@NBA) December 4, 2024
- Sacramento Kings (10-12) def. Houston Rockets (15-7), 120-111: Domantas Sabonis’ 27 point outing proved enough for the Kings to secure their first and only NBA Cup win at expense of the Rockets.
