The weekly games with added intensity are through their first stage. The riveting NBA Cup group stage games came to an end with an array of fascinating results. The Kings upset the Rocket, the Milwaukee Bucks remained undefeated and the Mavericks overcame a 15-point disadvantage. The rousing action is now one step closer on the road to Sin City.
The knockout stages of the NBA Cup will feature eight teams. Six group winners will join the race alongside one wildcard from each of the conferences. However, who are these teams? Let’s take a look at the eight teams that remain in the hunt for the half-a-million prize and a trip to Las Vegas.
NBA Cup Group winners
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West Group A: Houston Rockets
The Rockets have experienced a stellar rise this season, currently sitting second in the Western Conference. Likewise, in the In-Season Tournament, the Rockets have been exemplary. Before tonight’s hard-fought loss to the Sacramento Kings, the franchise hadn’t lost any of their three games. However, despite the mark of a defeat on their record, they go through to the knockout stages with the best record in Group A.
West Group B: Oklahoma City Thunder
After a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in their second game, the top-seeded OKC saw their qualification chances shrink. But with the return of Isaiah Hartenstein, the team has looked superb. Winning their last two games against the Lakers and the Utah Jazz, the Thunder secured their place in the knockout stages. Despite having the same record as the Suns, the Thunder’s win against them sees them be crowned the group winners.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
West Group C: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors began the season on a steaming roll. They didn’t lose any of their three NBA Cup games and were the first team to qualify for the knockout stages. Even an agonizing defeat against the Denver Nuggets tonight didn’t shake their position as they won their game against the Dallas Mavericks during their group stage game.
East Group A: New York Knicks
Powered by a starting five that has dynamic talents, the New York Knicks are among the only two teams to remain undefeated during the NBA Cup group stages. Their last win against the Orlando Magic secured them a spot in the knockout stages and also home-court advantage for the next round.
East Group B: Milwaukee Bucks
Similar to the Knicks, the Milwaukee Bucks also remain unwounded during their NBA Cup journey. While their regular season got off to an uneventful start, the Doc Rivers side has quickly recovered and found their footing. Not only have they won their last seven games, but the Deers also hold the best point differential out of all the 30 teams.
via Imago
Nov 20, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) loses the ball while under pressure from Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) and forward Torrey Craig (13) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
East Group C: Atlanta Hawks
Probably the biggest surprise of them all was the Atlanta Hawks emerging victorious in Group C. The group included the top two teams in the NBA – the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the odds being stacked against them, the Trae Young-led Hawks defeated both of them during their NBA Cup games and sit atop Group C.
NBA Cup wildcards and matchups
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The race for the group leaders was predictable. However, the battle to be the wildcard went down to the wire. To start with the West, a masterful comeback by the Dallas Mavericks against the Grizzlies tonight earned them the spot at the Western Conference wildcard. The Mavericks have the best point differential among all teams at +46.
On the other hand, the Orlando Magic, a team that is prevailing without Paolo Banchero continues their majestic run. Their point differential, +45 is the best in their group. However, the loss to the Knicks lost them a key advantage of playing the knockout game at home. Albeit, that won’t matter much to the team who may be pleased about staying in the race.
With the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated it means the NBA Cup will have a guaranteed new champion this season. And here is what the quarterfinal bracket looks like.
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- Magic at Bucks
- Hawks at Knicks
- Mavericks at Thunder
- Warriors at Rockets
Which team do you think will advance? Let us know your views in the comments below.
