The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks have both advanced to the NBA Cup knockout stage, finishing their group stages undefeated. The Knicks secured their spot with a commanding 121-106 win over the Orlando Magic in East Group A, while the Bucks clinched their place with a 128-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons in East Group B.
Knicks Seal Quarter-Final Spot
In an impressive performance, the Knicks recorded a 121-106 victory over the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. This win ensured their top spot in East Group A, finishing unbeaten and clinching home-field advantage for the quarter-finals. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Josh Hart posted a triple-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Despite the loss, the Magic still managed to secure the East wild card berth over the Celtics, due to their superior points differential. The Celtics finished the group stage with a 3-1 record, but it wasn’t enough to progress.
Bucks Dominate Group B
The Milwaukee Bucks continued their dominant run, defeating the Detroit Pistons 128-107 to finish undefeated in East Group B. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Damian Lillard contributed 27 points. The Bucks shot 23 three-pointers during their victory, extending their winning streak to seven games. They will now host the Orlando Magic in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Mavericks and Thunder Secure Wild Card Spots
In the West, Luka Doncic was the hero for the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 37 points to lead his team to a 121-116 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The win secured them the West wild card spot. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched West Group B by defeating the Phoenix Suns 133-106, thanks to a strong performance across the board.
The Mavericks will travel to Oklahoma City for their upcoming quarter-final match.
Other Quarter-Final Matches
Elsewhere, the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors advanced to the quarter-finals, despite losing their final group-stage games. The Rockets were defeated by the Sacramento Kings, while the Warriors lost to the Denver Nuggets. Both teams had already secured their spots with earlier wins.
The quarter-final matchups are set, with teams competing for a spot in the semi-finals, which will be played on December 14 in Las Vegas, followed by the final three days later.
Additional NBA Cup Highlights
In other NBA Cup action, the LA Clippers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 127-105, the Phoenix Suns triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs 104-93, and the Cleveland Cavaliers thrashed the Washington Wizards 118-87. The Philadelphia 76ers won a close game on the road against the Charlotte Hornets 110-104, while the Toronto Raptors beat the Indiana Pacers 122-111.
External Link: BBC NBA Cup Coverage
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