{"id":316898,"date":"2025-11-29T17:36:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T17:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/316898\/"},"modified":"2025-11-29T17:36:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-29T17:36:15","slug":"nba-cup-quarterfinals-set-jdub-returns-as-okc-wins-11th-straight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/316898\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Cup Quarterfinals Set, JDub Returns As OKC Wins 11th Straight"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

JDub is back for OKC.<\/p>\n

The return of No. 8 helped the Thunder get win No. 11 in a row and a top seed in the Emirates NBA Cup Knockouts.<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

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

Nov. 29, 2025<\/p>\n

Knockouts Set: With the 8-team field set, the single-elimination tourney tips Dec. 9-10<\/p>\n

Winning The West: How the Thunder, Spurs & Suns locked up their Knockout berths<\/p>\n

Deciding The East: Magic & Knicks win showdowns to clinch groups, Heat get Wild Card<\/p>\n

Cup Roundup: Lakers wrap up perfect Group Play run, plus four more games<\/p>\n

Saturday Preview: An NBA TV doubleheader, plus Raptors go for 10 straight wins<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026<\/p>\n

An eight-game Saturday of hoops\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

NBA TV Doubleheader: All-Star guards clash in Minnesota when Anthony Edwards and the Wolves host Jaylen Brown and the Celtics (5 ET<\/a>, Tap To Watch<\/a>). Then, Zion Williamson and the Pelicans visit Jimmy Butler III and the Warriors (8:30 ET<\/a>, Tap To Watch<\/a>).<\/p>\n

1. NBA CUP KNOCKOUTS FIELD SET<\/p>\n

\"NBA<\/p>\n

Friday began with six of the eight spots in the Knockout Rounds open, setting up a thrilling finish to Group Play with 14 teams still alive.<\/p>\n

Now that the dust has settled, we know the eight teams that will vie for the Emirates NBA Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6 Group winners<\/p>\n

East A: (2) Raptors (4-0, +55) \u2013 Clinched on Nov. 21 with win over Wizards and Pacers loss
\nEast B: (1) Magic (4-0, +64) \u2013 Clinched on Friday with win over Pistons; earned No. 1 seed via point differential over Raptors
\nEast C: (3) Knicks (3-1, +35) \u2013 Clinched on Friday with win over Bucks
\nWest A: (1) Thunder (4-0, +75) \u2013 Clinched on Friday with win over Suns; earned No. 1 seed via point differential over Lakers
\nWest B: (2) Lakers (4-0, +46) \u2013 Clinched on Nov. 25 with win over Clippers
\nWest C: (3) Spurs (3-1, +26) \u2013 Clinched on Friday with win over Nuggets<\/p>\n

2 Wild Cards<\/p>\n

East: (4) Heat (3-1, +49) \u2013 Clinched on Friday with losses by Pistons and Cavs; finished with best record of non-Group winners
\nWest: (4) Suns (3-1, +31) \u2013 Clinched on Friday with tiebreaker over Memphis<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next: From this point on, it\u2019s a single-elimination tournament featuring the eight remaining teams.<\/p>\n

Quarterfinals: Four games will be played in team markets of the matchup\u2019s higher seed with all available on Prime Video.<\/p>\n

\"NBA<\/p>\n

What\u2019s On The Line: A trip to Las Vegas for the four teams that win their quarterfinal matchups. They will be just two wins away from hoisting the Emirates NBA Cup.<\/p>\n

Semifinals & Championship: The final three games will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and available on Prime Video.<\/p>\n

Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 13 (5:30 ET and 9 ET)
\nCup Championship: Tuesday, Dec. 16 (8:30 ET)<\/p>\n

Now that we know what lies ahead, let\u2019s take a look at how we got here with Friday\u2019s conclusion of Group Play.<\/p>\n

2. HOW THE WEST WAS WON<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

The Thunder entered Friday\u2019s Group Play finale riding a 10-game win streak and holding a league-best 18-1 record despite being without an All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team selection from last season through their first 19 games.<\/p>\n

On Friday, Jalen Williams made his season debut following offseason wrist surgery. And the Thunder\u2019s winning ways continued.<\/p>\n

Thunder 123, Suns 119 (West A): In a winner-takes-the-group showdown between the 3-0 Thunder and 3-0 Suns, it was OKC that held on down the stretch to outlast Phoenix and advance to the Knockouts for the second straight year. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

SGA Shines Again: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 of his game-high 37 points<\/a> in the 2nd half to lead OKC, while matching Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak of 20+ point games with his 92nd straight
\nJDub\u2019s Impact: Williams (11 pts, 8 ast, 4 reb, 2 stl) chipped in with playmaking and defense over 29 minutes in his debut. The best part according to JDub? The reception he received<\/a> from the OKC fans
\nRematch On The Horizon: Despite the loss, Phoenix advanced to the Knockouts as the Wild Card, setting up a rematch with OKC in the 1-vs.-4 matchup on Wednesday, Dec. 10 (7:30 ET, Prime Video)
\nHistoric Start Continues: OKC becomes only the fifth team to start a season at least 19-1 through the first 20 games of a season \u2013 joining the 2015-16 Warriors, 1993-94 Rockets, 1990-91 Blazers and 1969-70 Knicks<\/p>\n

\"Devin<\/p>\n

Similar to the Thunder and Suns in West Group A, the Spurs and Nuggets entered Friday\u2019s West Group C finale with their group \u2013 and a spot in the Knockouts \u2013 on the line.<\/p>\n

And just like Thunder-Suns, this showdown in the Mile High City came down to the wire.<\/p>\n

Spurs 139, Nuggets 136 (West C): In a game that saw 20 lead changes and 12 ties, the final tie came at 126-126, with 1:41 to play. Then, Devin Vassell hit back-to-back clutch 3s in the span of 30 seconds to give the Spurs the lead for good, helping San Antonio (3-1) win the group. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Season-Best Spurs: Vassell (35 pts, 7 3pm)<\/a> and Julian Champagnie (25 pts, 10 reb) both had their best scoring games of the season as they combined for 60 to lead seven Spurs in double figures in the critical Cup win
\nNuggets Trio Not Enough: Denver got a combined 65 points from Jamal Murray (37 pts, 7 ast, 5 3pm) and Cam Johnson (28 pts, 6 3pm \u2013 both season-highs) and a near triple-double from Nikola Joki\u0107 (21 pts, 9 reb, 10 ast) in the loss<\/p>\n

\"Final<\/p>\n

While the Lakers had already clinched West Group B, the Grizzlies and Clippers both entered Friday\u2019s Group Play finale at 2-1 with hopes of winning the Wild Card.<\/p>\n

Grizzlies 112, Clippers 107 (West B): Behind a combined 40 points from starters Jaren Jackson Jr. and Vince Williams Jr. and a huge bench performance (outscoring LA\u2019s bench 47-15), Memphis overcame Kawhi Leonard\u2019s season-high 39 points to get the victory. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

The five-point win was not enough to boost Memphis\u2019 point differential ahead of Phoenix\u2019s, thus both the Grizzlies and Clippers were eliminated.<\/p>\n

3. HOW THE EAST WAS DECIDED<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

Just like in the West, two Groups and the Wild Card were left to be decided on the final night of Group Play.<\/p>\n

Two surging teams in Orlando and Detroit met in a winner-takes-Group faceoff.<\/p>\n

Cup dreams\u00a0are made of these scenarios.<\/p>\n

Magic 112, Pistons 109: In a one-possession game with just over a minute to play, Desmond Bane grabbed Orlando three extra possessions and Anthony Black blocked Duncan Robinson\u2019s game-tying attempt at the buzzer to clinch Group B for the Magic (4-0).<\/p>\n

Despite Cade Cunningham\u2019s second triple-double of the season (game-high 39 pts, 13 reb, 11 ast), Detroit (2-2) was eliminated from the Cup and has dropped consecutive games for the first time this season. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Bane Game: After netting his Magic-high 37 points, Bane forced a key turnover then snagged two of three offensive rebounds in a pivotal 58-second possession that left Detroit down by three with six seconds to play | Bane-Cade Duel<\/a>
\n\u201cWe\u2019re building something special,\u201d Bane said postgame. \u201cIt takes everybody.\u201d
\nBest Support: Franz Wagner added 21 points and seven rebounds for Orlando, while Tobias Harris (18 pts, 5 reb) and Jalen Duren (16 pts, 12 reb) starred for Detroit<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

The Knicks, Bucks and Heat all remained in contention in Group C, with New York rising up to take control.<\/p>\n

Knicks 118, Bucks 109 (East C): Jalen Brunson scored 22 of his 37 points<\/a> in the 2nd half, cooling a Bucks\u2019 run with six points in the final four minutes and spoiling Giannis\u2019 return (30 pts, 15 reb, 8 ast), as New York prevailed to win Group C. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Garden Numbers: Josh Hart (15 reb, 7 ast, 3 stl) and Miles McBride (5 3s) each added 19 points, while Kyle Kuzma (20 pts, 2 stl, 4 3s) supported Milwaukee
\nIron Bridges: Mikal Bridges\u2019 (14 pts, 2 stl) 574th-consecutive game played tied Terry Tyler for third-longest streak to start a career ever
\nField Is Set: This result paired with the losses by Detroit and Cleveland slotted Miami into the Wild Card
\nDefending Champs Out: The loss eliminated Milwaukee from Cup contention. Giannis and the Bucks look to bounce back tonight at home against the Nets<\/p>\n

\"Final<\/p>\n

Still alive in Toronto\u2019s Group A, Cleveland needed a win and some help to snag the Wild Card spot.<\/p>\n

Jalen Johnson had other ideas.<\/p>\n

Hawks 130, Cavaliers 123 (East A): Johnson went off (29 pts, 12 reb, 12 ast) in his fourth career triple-double<\/a> and Nickeil Alexander-Walkers\u2019 team-high 30 points on five 3s helped Atlanta overpower Donovan Mitchell\u2019s 42 points<\/a> to eliminate the Cavs. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Desperate Finish: With its Cup life on the line, Cleveland was held scoreless for the final 90 seconds. Zaccharie Risacher\u2019s go-ahead 3 broke a 123-all tie and triggered a 7-0 finish for Atlanta
\nNot Going Quietly: Evan Mobley (20 pts, 14 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk, 3 3s) and Darius Garland (15 pts, 5 reb, 10 ast) did all they could to extend Cleveland\u2019s Cup hopes<\/p>\n

4. ROUNDUP: CLOSING OUT GROUP PLAY<\/p>\n

\"Austin<\/p>\n

The Lakers entered Friday having already clinched West Group B, but Austin Reaves and Luka Don\u010di\u0107 still put on a show<\/a> to help L.A. close out Group Play a perfect 4-0. | Back-to-Back 30+s For L.A. Duo<\/a><\/p>\n

Lakers 129, Mavs 119: Reaves (38 pts, 12-15 FG, 6-8 3PT) and Don\u010di\u0107 (35 pts, 11 ast) came out sizzling and were too much for the Mavs to handle despite Anthony Davis\u2019 return (12 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast) from a 14-game absence and Cooper Flagg\u2019s career-high 11 assists. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Hornets 123, Bulls 116 (East C): Brandon Miller\u2019s season-high 27 points with five 3s led three Hornets with over 20 points, as Charlotte snapped a seven-game skid. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Josh Giddey (25 pts, 11 reb, 9 ast), Miles Bridges (22 pts, 8 reb, 7 ast) & LaMelo Ball (16 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast, 1 must-see<\/a>) all stuffed the stat sheet.<\/p>\n

\"Tyrese<\/p>\n

76ers 115, Nets 103 (East B): Tyrese Maxey\u2019s balanced attack (22 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast) and Jared McCain\u2019s season-high 20 points pushed Philly past Brooklyn on Egor D\u0451min\u2019s career night (23 pts, 9 reb, 2 blk, 5 3s). McCain became the 6th Sixer ever with a 20+ point, 5+ steal game with no turnovers. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Pacers 119, Wizards 86 (East A): Pascal Siakam (24 pts, 11 reb), Bennedict Mathurin (20 pts) and T.J. McConnell (14 pts, 8 ast) supplied the offense as Indy\u2019s defense held Washington to a season-low 86 points. Alex Sarr (24 pts, 8 reb) had the Wizards\u2019 biggest night. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Jazz 128, Kings 119 (West A): Behind 59 combined points from Keyonte George (31 pts, 6 ast, 4 3pm) and Lauri Markkanen (28 pts), the Jazz overcame Zach LaVine\u2019s game-high 34 and Russell Westbrook\u2019s 206th career triple-double (16 pts, 12 reb, 14 ast) to improve to 6-12. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

5. NBA TV DOUBLEHEADER, RAPTORS STREAK LEADS 8-GAME SATURDAY
\n\"Jaylen<\/p>\n

Brian Babineau, Sean Gardner & Vaughn Ridley\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The front half of an NBA TV doubleheader starts Saturday\u2019s eight-game slate with an evening tip from Minnesota.<\/p>\n

Celtics at Timberwolves (5 ET, NBA TV): Anthony Edwards (28.0 ppg) and the Wolves welcome in Jaylen Brown (28.2 ppg) and the Celtics, winners of five of their last six games, as both star guards are averaging career-highs in scoring.<\/p>\n

New Arsenal: Edwards made a splash last year with a league-high 320 threes (career-best 39.5 3P%) and has followed suit this season, attempting 8.6 triples per game at 39.2%
\nLeading Man: Brown has embraced his role at the crux of Boston\u2019s offense (career-high 35.4% usage rate, up 7.2% from last season), taking more shots than ever before (+3.7 FGA over last season), while maintaining efficiency (49.5 FG%)<\/p>\n

Pelicans at Warriors: (8:30 ET, NBA TV): With Steph Curry sidelined (quad<\/a>), Golden State turns to Jimmy Butler III (20.0 pts) for the scoring load, while relying on Draymond Green\u2019s leadership and defense. His next assignment: NOLA\u2019s red-hot rookie Derik Queen.<\/p>\n

Queen\u2019s Arrival: In a three-game stretch last week (Nov. 19-22), Queen averaged 23.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists, launching him inside the top five<\/a> of this week\u2019s Kia Rookie Ladder with high school teammate Cooper Flagg
\nFierce Flock: The Pelicans have a second top-five scoring rookie in Jeremiah Fears (15.1 pts, 1.5 stl), and team-leading production from Zion Williamson (20.5 pts, 54.9 FG% in his last four games) since returning from injury
\nLockdown Dray: Working against the two, Green anchors the Warriors\u2019 top-10 defense by holding his opponents to 41.7 FG%, 4th-best in the league (minimum 225 DFGA) this season<\/p>\n

The Raptors are playing fast, free and physical (1st in fast break pts, 5th in paint pts, 5th in ast per game), giving them a chance at their first double-digit win streak in five years.<\/p>\n

They visit Rookie Ladder<\/a> leader Kon Knueppel and the Hornets (6 ET) in League Pass\u2019 six-game portion<\/a> of the slate.<\/p>\n