08.11.2025
Orlando Magic 123 - 110 Boston Celtics
In their NBA Cup opener, the Orlando Magic secured a 123-110 victory over the Boston Celtics, with Franz Wagner leading the charge with 27 points. Supported by Desmond Bane's 22 points and seven assists, the Magic excelled in a crucial fourth-quarter surge. Despite Jaylen Brown's impressive 32-point performance for the Celtics, including scoring 14 consecutive points in the third quarter, Orlando maintained their advantage, thanks in part to a decisive 17-4 run sparked by Wagner, Bane, and Wendell Carter Jr. Early in the game, the Magic built a 16-point lead during a 20-2 run, their largest of the night. While Payton Pritchard contributed 27 points for Boston, Orlando's remarkable 50% shooting and 17 successful 3-pointers tipped the balance. The Celtics will have a chance for redemption when they face the Magic again on Sunday.
Washington Wizards 114 - 148 Cleveland Cavaliers
In a commanding performance, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards 148-114, with Donovan Mitchell leading the way by scoring 24 points. Darius Garland also made a significant impact in just his second game after recovering from a toe surgery, contributing 20 points and nine assists. This victory marks Cleveland's third consecutive win, pushing their record to 1-1 in NBA Cup play. The Cavaliers fell just short of their franchise record for points in a regulation game, which stands at 149, while the Wizards' struggles continue with their seventh straight loss. Cleveland established a strong lead with a 76-59 halftime advantage, largely fueled by the sharp shooting of Garland and Sam Merrill in the first half. Meanwhile, Washington's CJ McCollum scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half. Both teams play again on Saturday, with Cleveland hosting Chicago and Washington facing Dallas.
Atlanta Hawks 97 - 109 Toronto Raptors
In a game where the Toronto Raptors showcased resilience, they rallied from a 13-point second-quarter deficit to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 109-97, securing their second consecutive NBA Cup victory and fourth overall. Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 20 points, while Scottie Barnes made a pivotal layup in the fourth quarter to claim the lead, ultimately finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley contributed significantly with an 18-point effort, including a crucial 3-pointer. RJ Barrett also added 19 points to the Raptors' tally. The Hawks, missing their star guard Trae Young due to a sprained right MCL, saw notable performances from Jalen Johnson, who scored 21 points, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who chipped in with 20. The Raptors, now on a winning streak following a season-opening victory over Atlanta and four subsequent losses, will continue their five-game trip in Philadelphia, while the Hawks prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers.
Brooklyn Nets 107 - 125 Detroit Pistons
In an NBA Cup group opener, the Detroit Pistons secured their fifth consecutive win by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 125-107, with standout performances from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Cunningham delivered an impressive 34 points and 10 assists, hitting 13 of 18 from the field and all six free throws, while Duren contributed 30 points and 11 rebounds. This victory continued Cunningham's stellar performance streak, where he has averaged 29.8 points and 11.2 assists, shooting 54% during the winning run. Detroit, now with a 7-2 record, also marked its fourth victory in a row against the Nets. Brooklyn, struggling at 1-8, played without Cam Thomas due to a strained left hamstring, while Michael Porter Jr. and Noah Clowney scored 28 and 19 points respectively. Despite trailing by 10 points in the first quarter, the Pistons reversed the deficit by halftime, largely through Cunningham's efforts, who dominated the third quarter, leading to a decisive 34-19 run to secure the win. The Pistons will face Philadelphia next, while the Nets will meet New York.
San Antonio Spurs 121 - 110 Houston Rockets
In an exciting NBA Cup opener, the San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the Houston Rockets 121-110, snapping Houston's five-game winning streak. Harrison Barnes led the Spurs with 24 points, contributing the last four points of the game with crucial free throws and a decisive breakaway dunk. Julian Champagnie also shone with 22 points, including nine in the final quarter, and showcased his versatility by securing an offensive rebound and a loose ball during key moments. Despite a strong defensive effort from the Rockets, which initially limited Victor Wembanyama to just four points on 2-for-6 shooting, the Spurs still managed to finish the first half with a 12-0 run. This surge was highlighted by Devin Vassell's three-pointer and Stephon Castle's three-point play, compounded by Kevin Durant's third personal foul during the run. Both teams entered the game with a 5-2 record, though the Rockets achieved theirs by overcoming an initial two-game losing streak. The Spurs are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans next, while the Rockets will play against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Miami Heat 126 - 108 Charlotte Hornets
In an NBA Cup game on Friday night, the Miami Heat dominated the Charlotte Hornets with a 126-108 victory, highlighted by a franchise-record 53-point first quarter, the second highest-scoring first quarter in NBA history. Miami's explosive start gave them a 26-point lead early in the second quarter before Charlotte responded with a 27-2 run to close the gap to one point. Despite the Hornets' efforts, they never led, and Miami pulled away in the fourth quarter. Norman Powell led Miami with 25 points, while Andrew Wiggins and Pelle Larsson contributed 22 and 19 points respectively. Rookie Kon Knueppel excelled for the Hornets, scoring 30 points, the most in his professional career. The Heat also made a rare NBA history by becoming the second team in the shot-clock era to score 50 or more points in one quarter and then fewer than 20 in the next, a feat previously achieved by Memphis in March 2023. Hornets rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner's shooting percentage dropped slightly despite a strong showing, going 5-for-7 from the field. This victory was especially poignant for Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who coached the game a day after his home was destroyed by fire. Miami will host Portland next, while Charlotte will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
Memphis Grizzlies 118 - 104 Dallas Mavericks
The Memphis Grizzlies captured a decisive 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup game, courtesy of strong performances from Ja Morant and rookie Cedric Coward, who each scored 21 points. Notably, Morant also contributed 13 assists, while Coward added nine rebounds as the Grizzlies put an end to their four-game losing streak. Jaren Jackson and Santi Aldama chipped in with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Despite Max Christie's 18 points for Dallas and contributions from players like P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall, the Mavericks struggled in their fourth game without Anthony Davis, hampered by poor 3-point shooting that remained below 20% in the first half. Meanwhile, Memphis capitalized on their shooting accuracy from distance, connecting on 10 of 21 attempts, opening up a dominant 74-51 halftime lead. Although Dallas tried to rally, they couldn't cut the lead below double digits. Both teams have faced challenges this season, entering the matchup on losing streaks, but Memphis emerged strong to take the win.
Milwaukee Bucks 126 - 110 Chicago Bulls
Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominant performance led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 126-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls, as they began their NBA Cup title defense. Scoring 41 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and adding nine assists, Antetokounmpo was particularly influential in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 points to help the Bucks secure the win. With this victory, Milwaukee extended their undefeated record to 9-0 in NBA Cup group play history. Despite shooting under 61.5% for the first time this season, Giannis contributed significantly alongside teammates Myles Turner, who had his season-high 23 points, and Ryan Rollins, who added 20. On Chicago’s side, Matas Buzelis scored 20 points, and Josh Giddey made headlines by being the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan in 1989 to have triple-doubles in consecutive games. The Bucks faced this challenge without Taurean Prince due to a neck strain, while Ayo Dosunmu returned for the Bulls after a two-game absence. Milwaukee pulled ahead decisively with an 8-0 run in the third quarter, and Giannis's 3-pointer initiated the spurt that solidified their lead.
Minnesota Timberwolves 137 - 97 Utah Jazz
The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, decisively defeated the Utah Jazz 137-97 in an NBA Cup game. Edwards, returning from a four-game absence due to a strained hamstring, scored 37 points, including 7-of-12 from beyond the arc. Julius Randle was instrumental with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, nearly securing a triple-double by halftime as Minnesota dominated with a 79-45 lead. This was Randle's second triple-double of the week. The Timberwolves shot a season-high 56.8% while Jaden McDaniels contributed 22 points and seven rebounds. Despite 18 points from Keyonte George and 12 from Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz struggled with 37.2% shooting and have now conceded at least 134 points in three of their nine games this season. Isaiah Collier made his long-awaited season debut for Utah. The Timberwolves' victory marked their first win in the NBA Cup, while the Jazz remain winless in the competition at 0-2.
Denver Nuggets 129 - 104 Golden State Warriors
In a crucial game for the Denver Nuggets' hopes in the NBA Cup's West Group C, they face off against the Golden State Warriors on Friday in Denver. The Nuggets need a victory after losing their first round-robin game to Portland, and they also aim to even their season series with the Warriors, who previously edged out Denver in overtime. Golden State's key players Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green are expected to return to action after missing the previous game due to various issues. Rookie Will Richard made a significant impact with a career-high 30 points in their absence, earning praise from coach Steve Kerr. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić—averaging a triple-double—have won five of their last six games, thanks to a high-scoring offense averaging 124.6 points. Denver's balanced scoring attack features five players averaging double figures, contrasting with Cameron Johnson's underwhelming start this season.
Sacramento Kings 101 - 132 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are set to play their first NBA Cup game of the year against the Sacramento Kings, following a narrow 121-119 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers that snapped their eight-game winning streak. Despite blowing a 22-point lead, the Thunder look to bounce back as they face the Kings, who recently defeated the Golden State Warriors 121-116 without key players Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray. Gilgeous-Alexander, a former teammate of Russell Westbrook for six days in 2019, has emerged as a top rebounding guard, contributing significantly with 31 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks during their previous matchup. Meanwhile, Westbrook made headlines with a triple-double performance against the Warriors, celebrating his 204th career triple-double and surpassing Jason Kidd on the NBA all-time rebounds list. With these achievements, both guards have solidified their reputations among the best in the league, and the Thunder aim to apply lessons from their recent loss to improve for the upcoming challenge.