30.11.2024
Charlotte Hornets 98 - 99 New York Knicks
In a thrilling NBA Cup match, Jalen Brunson scored 31 points, including two crucial free throws with 8.6 seconds remaining, to secure a narrow 99-98 victory for the New York Knicks over the undermanned Charlotte Hornets. Despite a sluggish and error-prone start, where the Knicks committed eight turnovers and scored only 15 points in the first quarter, they managed to clinch the win. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Hornets, missing key players such as LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams, relied on Brandon Miller's 20 points and Josh Green's pivotal plays, including a last-second steal and jumper. However, Brunson's mid-range shot with 4:50 left in the game gave the Knicks a lead they held onto. The Knicks will next face the Pelicans, while the Hornets prepare to host the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks 117 - 101 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-101 in the NBA Cup, marking their second victory over the league-leading Cavaliers within three days. De'Andre Hunter shone off the bench with 23 points, while Trae Young contributed 21 points and 11 assists, helping Atlanta to secure six double-figure scorers. Jalen Johnson also impressed with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. The Cavaliers' Darius Garland led his team with 29 points, and Evan Mobley added 24 points. Despite Donovan Mitchell's struggles, shooting only 5 of 23 and ending with 12 points, the Cavaliers couldn't overcome Atlanta's depth and bench strength, which outscored Cleveland's reserves 50-28. The Hawks clinched East Group C in the NBA Cup later in the night due to Chicago's loss to Boston, while Cleveland aims to bounce back in their upcoming game against Boston.
Memphis Grizzlies 120 - 109 New Orleans Pelicans
The Memphis Grizzlies secured their first NBA Cup victory in franchise history with a 120-109 win over the injury-depleted New Orleans Pelicans. Ja Morant led Memphis with 27 points and seven assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 23 points and eight rebounds. Despite missing key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum scored 30 points for the Pelicans, supported by Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy with 21 points each. Memphis dominated by distributing 36 assists on 47 baskets, reflecting their league-leading average of 30 assists per game. This win marked the Grizzlies' fifth consecutive victory, contrasting sharply with the Pelicans' ongoing struggles, having lost seven straight games and 13 of their last 14.
Brooklyn Nets 100 - 123 Orlando Magic
In a commanding performance, the Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 123-100 in an NBA Cup matchup, improving their standing in Group A with a perfect 3-0 record. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 29 points, supported by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's 19, while Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 12 points each. This victory extends the Magic's winning streak to five games and positions them in a tie with the New York Knicks, who they will face next to determine the group champion. Orlando's remarkable turnaround features wins in 11 of their last 12 games following a previous five-game losing streak on the road. For the Nets, Shake Milton shone off the bench with 22 points, as the team saw its three-game winning run come to an end, placing them at 1-3 in the tournament. A key highlight for the Magic was their efficient three-point shooting, hitting 18 of 35 attempts, which also allowed them to edge out the Knicks in point differential for the potential tiebreaker.
Minnesota Timberwolves 93 - 92 LA Clippers
The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a four-game losing streak with a narrow 93-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA Cup game. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 21 points, despite shooting just 7-for-21, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Despite committing 22 turnovers and letting a double-digit lead slip, the Timberwolves managed to hold on, aided by Edwards' crucial 3-pointer late in the game. For the Clippers, James Harden scored 20 points and added 11 assists, while Ivica Zubac and Kevin Porter Jr. also made significant contributions. However, injuries and the absence of key players like Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell hampered the Clippers, who only managed one basket in the final four minutes. Both teams face challenges moving forward in the in-season tournament, with the Clippers having one group stage game left and both being long shots for the quarterfinals.
Indiana Pacers 106 - 130 Detroit Pistons
In an impressive display, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Indiana Pacers 130-106, bolstered by Cade Cunningham's return after a three-game absence. Cunningham notched 24 points and 11 rebounds, with four of Detroit's 18 successful 3-pointers, aiding the Pistons' perfect record in NBA Cup play. Jaden Ivey contributed 23 points, and Malik Beasley added 22, helping Detroit tie Milwaukee for first place in East Group B. Despite Pascal Siakam's 21 points, the Pacers fell to 0-3 in the NBA Cup, eliminating them from the knockout round. Tyrese Haliburton added 19 points and five assists, but the Pacers struggled with defensive gaps and couldn't replicate their recent home comeback victories. The Pistons' shooting was exceptional, hitting a season-high 57.8% from the field, solidifying their win with a commanding 22-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Detroit improved their overall record to 9-12 and will face Philadelphia next, while Indiana prepares to visit Memphis.
Miami Heat 121 - 111 Toronto Raptors
The Miami Heat edged past the Toronto Raptors with a 121-111 victory, improving their record to 9-8. Jimmy Butler led the scoring for Miami with 26 points, while Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 23 and 15 points, respectively. The team made 21 out of 54 attempts from beyond the arc, marking the third-most three-point shots attempted in franchise history, previously having taken 56 in a game twice. Bam Adebayo achieved a triple-double with 14 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, securing his final rebound after a missed shot by Butler in the game's closing moments. The contest featured impressive performances from Toronto as well, with Scottie Barnes recording a triple-double and RJ Barrett scoring 25 points. Notably, Jakob Poeltl was efficient with 24 points on 10-for-11 shooting. Miami's decisive 19-2 run in the third quarter turned the tides after trailing 79-77. This game was unique as it marked the first occasion in Heat history where all at least 10 players took two or more shots from three-point range. Both teams will meet again in Toronto on Sunday.
Chicago Bulls 129 - 138 Boston Celtics
In a thrilling NBA Cup pool game, the Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls 138-129, propelled by Jayson Tatum's 35 points and 14 rebounds. Payton Pritchard delivered a crucial performance off the bench, netting a season-high 29 points and hitting 11 consecutive points during a decisive fourth-quarter surge. Although Nikola Vucevic scored a season-high 32 points for the Bulls, it wasn't enough to secure a spot in the Cup quarterfinals, as Atlanta claimed the Group C berth. Zach LaVine added 29 points for Chicago, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in made 3-pointers with his third long-range shot of the night. The game saw Boston's complete roster available for the first time this season, but it was Pritchard's impactful moments that made a significant difference, highlighted by his sharp shooting and smart play. The Celtics' victory keeps their wild-card hopes alive, contingent on upcoming matches, while Chicago turns their focus to the next game against Brooklyn.
Los Angeles Lakers 93 - 101 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder maintained their winning momentum and avoided elimination with a 105-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors, extending their road streak as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA Cup group-play game. Despite key injuries, including the absence of Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, and Jalen Williams leaving mid-game due to an eye injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, compensating for a lackluster shooting performance of 31.6% in the final period. The Thunder's win keeps them in contention within West: Group B, requiring favorable tiebreak scenarios and pending results against the Lakers and Utah Jazz for advancement. Meanwhile, the Lakers stopped their three-game losing streak with a 119-101 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs, highlighted by LeBron James' sixth triple-double of the season at age 39 and a standout performance from rookie Dalton Knecht. The defending tournament champions, the Lakers, face a narrower path to advancement but can proceed by defeating the Thunder and relying on a loss from the Phoenix Suns against the Spurs.
Portland Trail Blazers 115 - 106 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings snapped a four-game losing streak with a 115-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, thanks in part to Jae Crowder's debut, where he contributed eight points and four rebounds. Crowder, who joined the Kings just hours before the game, is expected to provide veteran leadership alongside stars De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan. Notably, DeRozan missed the game due to back pain and will also be absent for the upcoming matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers continue to struggle, having lost four of their last five games, including a recent 121-114 defeat to the Indiana Pacers. Anfernee Simons shone for Portland with 30 points, breaking a scoring slump, but the team was hindered by poor rebounding, as highlighted by coach Chauncey Billups. Portland's Jerami Grant is doubtful for their next game due to a knee sprain. Sacramento has dominated recent encounters against Portland, winning six of the last seven meetings, and will look to maintain their momentum as they face off in the NBA Cup.