NBA Cup Roundup: Warriors Clinch Group Victory, Bucks, Mavericks, and More in Action
The Golden State Warriors secured a top spot in West Group C of the NBA Cup with a 112-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Andrew Wiggins delivered a career-best 30 points, while Stephen Curry added 19, leading the Warriors to a perfect 3-0 record in the tournament. Draymond Green contributed with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping the team advance to the NBA Cup quarterfinals set for December 10 or 11. The Pelicans, despite strong performances from Trey Murphy III (24 points) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (19 points, 12 rebounds), fell to 1-2 in the Cup.
In another NBA Cup contest, the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Indiana Pacers 129-117. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted his second triple-double of the season, registering 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Damian Lillard added 24 points and 12 assists, helping the Bucks secure their third consecutive win. Milwaukee is now 2-0 in the NBA Cup. Indiana, on the other hand, struggled to get going, dropping to 0-2 in the Cup.
The Dallas Mavericks edged the Denver Nuggets 123-120 in a thrilling NBA Cup matchup. Naji Marshall exploded for a career-high 26 points, and P.J. Washington added 22, guiding the Mavericks to a victory despite the absence of Luka Dončić due to a wrist injury. Kyrie Irving contributed 19 points, while Nikola Jokić, back after missing three games for the birth of his second child, put up 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists for Denver. The Mavericks improved to 2-1 in the Cup, while the Nuggets fell to 1-2.
The Philadelphia 76ers earned their first NBA Cup win with a 113-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Rookie Jared McCain led the 76ers with 30 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 26. Despite a stellar 37-point performance from Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson, the Nets struggled as a team, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting only 4-of-24 from three-point range.
The Boston Celtics continued their hot streak with a 108-96 win over the Washington Wizards. Jaylen Brown scored 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday each chipped in with 16 points. Boston extended their win streak to four games and improved to 2-1 in East Group C of the NBA Cup. Washington, on the other hand, remains mired in a 10-game losing streak despite Jordan Poole’s 23 points and Kyle Kuzma’s 21.
In a high-scoring affair, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks 136-122. Zach LaVine led the way with 26 points, while Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White each added 20. Nikola Vucevic posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulls, who scored a season-high 136 points, improved to 1-1 in the Cup, while Atlanta dropped to 2-1. Jalen Johnson and Trae Young each contributed 25 points, with Young also dishing out 13 assists.
The Houston Rockets cruised to a dominant 116-88 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Dillon Brooks was the standout, scoring a season-high 28 points, including 6-of-8 from three-point range. Tari Eason added 22 points off the bench. The Rockets, who have now won seven of their last eight games, improved to 2-0 in the NBA Cup, while Portland struggled with 21 turnovers and a poor shooting percentage, dropping to 0-2.
Finally, the Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to four games with a 104-88 victory over the Sacramento Kings. James Harden led the charge with 22 points and 9 assists, and Derrick Jones Jr. contributed 17 points. The Clippers improved to 1-1 in the NBA Cup, while Sacramento fell to 0-2. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points, and Domantas Sabonis added 24 points and 15 rebounds in his return from injury.
