{"id":312429,"date":"2025-11-27T15:30:22","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T15:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/312429\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T15:30:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T15:30:22","slug":"starting-5-ingram-wins-it-shai-lifts-okc-boston-cools-detroit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/312429\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: Ingram wins it, Shai lifts OKC, Boston cools Detroit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Winner, winner, turkey dinner.<\/p>\n

Brandon Ingram called game to lift Toronto to 4-0 on the second-to-last night of Emirates NBA Cup Group Play.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Feasting: OKC & Toronto extend win streaks to stay unbeaten in Cup Play<\/p>\n

More Streaks: Boston snaps Detroit\u2019s historic heater, Herro lifts Miami to another dub<\/p>\n

Setting The Stage: Three wins create three \u201cwin-and-in\u201d Group Play finales on Friday<\/p>\n

Roundup: Houston & Memphis pull off late rallies to cap a hectic 9-game slate<\/p>\n

Season Of Giving: 20 years of NBA Cares and holiday support across the league<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST.. \u23f0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Friday Finale: After a day off to celebrate Thanksgiving, the NBA returns on Friday with an 11-game slate to close Emirates NBA Cup<\/a> Group Play.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That includes a Prime doubleheader as the Bucks visit the Knicks (7:30 ET<\/a>), before the Lakers welcome the Mavs (10 ET<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

1. BEAST STREAKS: OKC IMPROVES TO 18-1, INGRAM CALLS GAME<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Thunder entered Wednesday not only eyeing a crucial Group Play win, but one of the best starts in NBA history.<\/p>\n

Standing in their way: Anthony Edwards and the Wolves, eager to avenge last year\u2019s West Finals loss and cut into OKC\u2019s push for more hardware.<\/p>\n

But when Minnesota made its run, the champs responded.<\/p>\n

Thunder 113, Wolves 105 (West A): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on an MVP performance<\/a> (40 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast) to give OKC control, but the Wolves never went away and an Edwards 3 with 1:02 left made it a one-point game.<\/p>\n

Twenty-four seconds later, Chet Holmgren (12 pts, 9 reb) answered with a lead-extending triple, and SGA sealed it at the line as OKC never allowed another bucket \u2013 closing on an 8-1 run to earn its 10th straight win, improving to 18-1 and 3-0 in Group Play. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWe knew they were going to fight, give us a challenge,\u201d said SGA postgame. \u201cIt took us making plays on both ends of the floor down the stretch to come out with a W \u2013 and we did so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

All-Time Open: The Thunder are just the fifth team ever to start a season 18-1 or better and the second in three decades, joining the 2015-16 Warriors \u2013 who finished with the best record in NBA history (73-9).<\/p>\n

The Other 3? The 1993-94 Rockets, \u201890-91 Blazers and the \u201869-70 Knicks. Houston and New York both won the NBA title that season
\nOKC Identity: It\u2019s Shai\u2019s 16th 30-piece of the season and OKC\u2019s 11th time holding an opponent to 105 points or fewer \u2013 both the most in the NBA
\nElite Execution: Amid the 10-0 run, SGA is averaging 32.0 ppg on 58.2% shooting, while the Thunder are allowing just 101.1 ppg with a +20.9 point differential
\nWhere They Stand: Ant led Minnesota (31 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast, 5 3s), which is eliminated from Cup contention, while OKC can clinch West A with a win over Phoenix on Friday (9:30 ET, League Pass)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Having already clinched East Group A, the red-hot Raptors eyed a 4-0 Group Play finish to boost their odds of homecourt advantage in the Quarterfinals.<\/p>\n

With 0.6 seconds left on Wednesday, Brandon Ingram delivered for Jurassic Park.<\/p>\n

Raptors 97, Pacers 95 (East A): Tied at 95, Jakob Poeltl blocked Indy\u2019s attempted winner, setting up<\/a> Ingram\u2019s (26 pts, 8 reb) heroic jumper to complete Toronto\u2019s perfect Group Play and grab its fifth clutch win in its 9-game W streak \u2013 now the hottest in the East. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cJust wanted to be super aggressive, and get into my spots,\u201d Ingram said of his game-winner, with the moment reminding him of last shots he\u2019s \u201cseen on TV.\u201d
\nPitching In: Scottie Barnes (24 pts, 10 reb) and Immanuel Quickley (15 pts, 6 ast) supported Ingram, while season highs from T.J. McConnell (16 pts, 7 reb) led Indy
\nHistorically Hot: This is just the fifth time in team history that Toronto has had a win streak as substantial as 9 games
\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to need this crowd big,\u201d Ingram said postgame, with the win and Detroit\u2019s loss ensuring the Knockout Round visits The North<\/p>\n

2. MORE STREAKS: CELTICS COOL PISTONS, HEAT WIN AGAIN<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A historic stretch of 14 games and 28 days of perfect results all culminated in 15 pivotal seconds Wednesday night.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when Boston\u2019s defense took control.<\/p>\n

Celtics 117, Pistons 114 (East B): Derrick White (27 pts) closed with 11 4th-quarter points on three of a season-high six 3s, and forced one of two key turnovers<\/a> in the final 15 seconds as Boston stood tall in a wild finish to snap Detroit\u2019s 13-game win streak. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

C\u2019s Keys: Jaylen Brown (33 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk) set the tone in all aspects as Boston\u2019s defense held Detroit to its 2nd-lowest field goal percentage (39.8) of the season
\nAll-Out Cade: Cunningham (42 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast) led all scorers, nearly willing the Pistons to OT by drawing a 3-shot foul, but couldn\u2019t hit the game-tying free throw\u00a0
\n\u201cI couldn\u2019t be more proud of the group,\u201d said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff on Detroit\u2019s franchise-record-tying win streak coming to an end. \u201cWin or loss.\u201d
\nWinner Take All: The Pistons (2-1) meet the Magic on Friday (7:30 ET, LP) to decide East B, while Boston is eliminated despite the victory<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

ICYMI: Tyler Herro is back \u2013 and the Heat can\u2019t stop stacking dubs.<\/p>\n

Heat 106, Bucks 103 (East C): After scoring 24 and the game-winner in his season debut on Monday, Herro led Miami again with 29 points and 7 dimes as the Heat held on to edge out Ryan Rollins (26 pts) and the Bucks, extending their win streak to six games. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Spo\u2019s 800th: With the win, Erik Spoelstra became the 9th-fastest coach to reach 800 career victories and just the 17th all-time
\nEyeing Its Ticket: Miami finishes 3-1 in Group Play and will clinch East C if the Bucks beat the Knicks on Friday (more on that below \u2b07\ufe0f)<\/p>\n

3. SETTING THE STAGE: 3 WINS CREATE 3 \u2018WIN-AND-IN\u2019 FRIDAY FINALES<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

While Orlando and Detroit entered Wednesday already locked in for an East B winner-take-all duel on Friday, three more teams earned group-clinching opportunities with victories last night.<\/p>\n

Suns 112, Kings 100 (West A): In the Thanksgiving spirit, Mark Williams was eating (21 pts, 16 reb, 9-12 FG), while Collin Gillespie matched him with 21 points along with 9 helpers to power Phoenix to a wire-to-wire win, improving to 3-0 in West A. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Suns Shining: Devin Booker added 19 points and 6 assists as the Suns improved to 9-2 in their last 11 \u2013 a stretch in which they rank 3rd in DefRtg
\nWinner Take All: Up next for Phoenix? OKC, also 3-0, in a Friday showdown to decide the group (9:30, League Pass)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Blazers simply needed a win to punch their ticket to the Knockout Round.<\/p>\n

De\u2019Aaron Fox and the Spurs had other ideas.<\/p>\n

Spurs 115, Blazers 102 (West C): With San Antonio up 2 at the half, Fox caught fire<\/a>, pouring in 23 of his 37 points in the final two quarters, as the Spurs outscored Portland 59-48 to avoid elimination, despite Deni Avdija\u2019s big night (37 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast). | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Deciding Duel: Both at 2-1, the Spurs now face the Nuggets on Friday to decide West C (9:30 ET, LP)<\/p>\n

Knicks 129, Hornets 101 (East C): For the first time in the play-by-play era, all five Knicks starters had 10+ points at the half, as New York jumped out to a 72-47 lead and didn\u2019t look back to improve to 2-1 in Group Play, eliminating Charlotte (0-3). | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

NY5: Led by Jalen Brunson (33 pts, 14-28 FG) and Josh Hart (22 pts, 7 ast), the Knicks\u2019 starting 5 combined for a season-high 111 of their 129 points
\nWin & In: New York can claim East C with a victory over Milwaukee on Friday (7:30 ET, Prime), while a Bucks victory would hand the group to Miami<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

4. ROUNDUP: HOUSTON & MEMPHIS RALLY FOR LATE DUBS<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Trailing by as many as 14 points in the 3rd quarter, Houston flipped a switch.<\/p>\n

Rockets 104, Warriors 100 (West C): The Rockets outscored the Warriors 57-41 in the 2nd half on the strength of Reed Sheppard\u2019s career night<\/a> (31 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast), leading Alperen Sengun (16 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast) and five Rockets in double-digits to victory. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Dubs Check: Jimmy Butler III led the Bay with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, with Steph (14 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast) exiting in the final minute with quad pain<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Grizzlies 133, Pelicans 128 (OT, West C): Vince Williams Jr. was feeling extra generous on Thanksgiving eve, dishing out a career-high 17 assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. (27 pts, 5 3s), Jaylen Wells (25 pts, 5 3s) and Zach Edey (21 pts, 15 reb) all scored season-highs to rally the Grizz past the Pels in OT. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Epic Finish: Memphis chipped away at a 17-point deficit before its 15-7 4th-quarter run forced Zion Williamson (17 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast) to extend the game with 0.9 left<\/a>
\nBut overtime was all Grizz, as Jackson (5 pts) and Wells (4 pts) single-handedly outscored NOLA 9-3 to complete the comeback, improving to 2-1 in Group Play
\nPacing The Pels: Jose Alvarado (24 pts, 6 3s) led eight Pelicans in double figures
\nWhat It Means: The Grizzlies\u2019 win eliminated the Wolves, Kings, Warriors and Rockets. Memphis contends for the West Wild Card on Friday, facing the Clippers (10 ET, LP)<\/p>\n

5. SEASON OF GIVING: 20 YEARS OF NBA CARES<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For 20 years, NBA Cares has helped bring people around the world together through the game of basketball.<\/p>\n

Established in 2005 to unite the league\u2019s community efforts and amplify positive impact of teams and players off the court, NBA Cares has continued to drive change on key issues facing fans and communities.<\/p>\n

Now, as we head into the winter holidays, we also head into one of the key moments on the NBA Cares calendar: the NBA Cares Season of Giving.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been 20 years of meaningful impact, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re most proud of,\u201d said Kathy Behrens<\/a>, the NBA\u2019s President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs
\n\u201c[The] commitment to community that\u2019s existed in our league from the very beginning, and will no doubt live on for decades to come, is truly I think what makes the NBA so special.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Designed to brighten the winter holidays for children and families across the globe, the NBA Cares Season of Giving will reach thousands of children, families and those in need through hundreds of local events.<\/p>\n

All 30 teams will host local events across the country, with players, legends, coaches and teams \u2013 both NBA & affiliate league \u2013 engaging communities through education, health, wellness & hands-on service
\nOKC\u2019s Isaiah Hartenstein served meals for Thanksgiving<\/a>, the Pistons donated food<\/a> and household essentials for Season of Giving
\nPhilly\u2019s Tyrese Maxey hosted his annual Turkey Giveaway, distributing 3,000 holiday meals<\/a>, while Dylan Harper helped lead the Spurs annual Turkey Drive<\/a>
\nThe Wolves held their annual Holiday Shopping Event, surprising young fans<\/a> with a shopping spree alongside players, while the Hawks packed 1 million meals<\/a> at State Farm Arena
\nCleveland\u2019s Jarrett Allen brought holiday cheer<\/a> to Open Doors Academy students and Houston\u2019s Jabari Smith surprised residents<\/a> from the Julia C. Hester Community Center with a Thanksgiving meal
\nThe Knicks hosted a fall dinner that served 250 families<\/a> affiliated with the NYC Department of Homeless Services
\nAnd for the 28th year, the Pacers provided warm meals<\/a> and winter essentials inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Hoosiers in need<\/p>\n

Join the NBA Family in making a difference this holiday season. Visit NBACares.com<\/a> to learn how you can help, and follow #NBACares on social as the NBA family highlights charitable efforts from now through Dec. 31.<\/p>\n

Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have the NBA App? Download it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n