The Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks cruised into the knockout stage of the NBA Cup with dominant performances, completing perfect group-stage records, while reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, were eliminated despite a strong showing.
The Knicks secured a commanding 121-106 victory over the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden, finishing East Group A unbeaten. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Josh Hart added a triple-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Despite their loss, the Magic advanced as the East wild card due to a superior point differential over the Celtics, who also finished 3-1 in the group. The Knicks earned home-court advantage in the quarter-finals, where they will face the Atlanta Hawks, winners of East Group C.
In East Group B, the Milwaukee Bucks continued their stellar form with a 128-107 win over the Detroit Pistons, marking their seventh consecutive victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the NBA MVP in 2019 and 2020, delivered 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Damian Lillard chipped in with 27 points.
The Bucks, who drained 23 three-pointers, will host the Orlando Magic in the quarter-finals.
Luka Dončić starred for the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 37 points to lead a stunning fourth-quarter comeback against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 121-116 win earned the Mavericks the West wild card spot. They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round, following OKC’s dominant 133-106 win over the Utah Jazz to top West Group B.
The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors secured their spots despite losses in their final group-stage games. The Rockets fell to the Sacramento Kings, while the Warriors were defeated by the Denver Nuggets.
The Rockets will now face the Warriors in the quarter-finals, while the Knicks host the Hawks, and the Bucks face the Magic.
The quarter-finals will determine the final four teams, with the semi-finals scheduled for December 14 in Las Vegas. The championship game will take place three days later, also in Las Vegas.
In Tuesday’s games, the LA Clippers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 127-105, the Phoenix Suns bested the San Antonio Spurs 104-93, and the Cleveland Cavaliers routed the Washington Wizards 118-87.
Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Charlotte Hornets 110-104 on the road, while the Toronto Raptors secured a 122-111 win over the Indiana Pacers.
SOURCE: BBC
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