The excitement of the 2024 NBA Cup escalated on Friday night, showcasing a thrilling array of performances across 11 games. With standout moments including a breathtaking 60-point game, a dramatic game-winning shot, and an impressive winning streak, fans were treated to a night filled with unforgettable basketball action.
Game Results Overview
Before diving into the key takeaways, let’s recap the results from the NBA Cup games played on Friday:
- Heat 124, Pacers 111
- Magic 98, 76ers 86
- Pistons 99, Raptors 95
- Hawks 129, Wizards 117
- Cavaliers 144, Bulls 126
- Knicks 124, Nets 122
- Lakers 120, Spurs 115
- Rockets 125, Clippers 104
- Pelicans 101, Nuggets 94
- Thunder 99, Suns 83
- Warriors 123, Grizzlies 118
- Timberwolves 130, Kings 126 (OT)
Cavaliers Maintain Perfect Record
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue their historic run, improving to 14-0 with a dominant 144-126 victory over the Chicago Bulls. This marks the longest winning streak in franchise history, placing them in the company of the 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks and the 1957-58 Boston Celtics, who also started their seasons with 14 straight wins.
Despite missing key player Evan Mobley due to illness, the Cavaliers showcased their depth and talent. Jarrett Allen stepped up with a stellar performance, recording 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting an impressive 73% from the field. Additionally, the dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland combined for 66 points, shooting 55% from beyond the arc and propelling the Cavaliers’ offensive onslaught.
Chicago, led by Coby White with 29 points, struggled to keep pace with Cleveland’s offensive firepower, highlighting the Cavaliers’ ability to close games effectively.
Knicks Edge Out Nets Behind Brunson and Bridges
In a tightly contested matchup, the New York Knicks triumphed over their rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, with a score of 124-122. Jalen Brunson delivered a clutch performance, hitting the game-winning three-pointer and finishing with 37 points. The Knicks, now tied with Orlando at the top of the East’s NBA Cup Group A, demonstrated resilience despite a late-game offensive slump.
The Knicks held a commanding 21-point lead going into the fourth quarter, but a scoring drought allowed the Nets to make a comeback. With just seconds remaining, Brunson’s isolation play against Dorian Finney-Smith sealed the game for New York. Mikal Bridges also shone, contributing 22 points and making critical defensive plays, including a game-saving block against Dennis Schroder.
De’Aaron Fox Shines Despite Loss
De’Aaron Fox delivered the standout performance of the night, scoring 60 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a heartbreaking overtime loss for the Sacramento Kings. Fox’s incredible scoring included a 20-point fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to take over games even when his team is shorthanded.
Despite Fox’s heroics, the Kings fell short, losing 130-126 in overtime. This game marked the first 60-point performance of the 2024-25 NBA season, a testament to Fox’s scoring prowess. Notably, in NBA history, only 25 teams have lost a game in which a player scored 60 points, and 2024 has seen an unusual number of such occurrences.
LeBron James Records Fourth Consecutive Triple-Double
LeBron James continues to defy age and expectations, recording his fourth consecutive triple-double in the Lakers’ 120-115 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. James contributed 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate the offense while remaining a scoring threat.
The Lakers’ strategy of utilizing LeBron as a primary playmaker has paid off, allowing him to leverage his court vision and passing ability effectively. This performance solidifies his status as one of the league’s top playmakers, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to his basketball IQ and skill set.
Anthony Davis Continues MVP-Level Play
Anthony Davis also had a standout night, scoring 40 points and grabbing 12 rebounds against the Spurs. His season averages of 31.1 points and 10.9 rebounds underscore his importance to the Lakers’ success. Davis’s impressive shooting splits—56% from the field, 42% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line—highlight his efficiency and versatility as a scorer.
Davis’s continued dominance on both ends of the floor places him firmly in the MVP conversation, as he consistently impacts games with his scoring and defensive presence.
James Harden Ties Ray Allen for Career 3-Pointers
In a notable moment, James Harden tied Ray Allen for second place on the all-time three-point list with his 2,973rd career triple. The LA Clippers guard made a step-back corner three-pointer but was unable to add to his tally for the remainder of the game as the Clippers fell to the Rockets. Harden’s achievement highlights his scoring ability and longevity in the league.
Warriors Maintain Impressive Start
The Golden State Warriors continue their strong start, improving to 10-2 after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 123-118. The Warriors displayed their depth, as multiple players contributed to the scoring, with Buddy Hield leading the way with 18 points. Even with a subdued performance from Stephen Curry, who scored only 13 points, the Warriors’ balanced attack remains a significant advantage.
76ers Struggle Continue
The Philadelphia 76ers, now at 2-10, are facing a challenging season. Despite the return of stars Paul George and Joel Embiid, the team suffered another defeat, this time to the Orlando Magic, 98-86. The duo struggled with their shooting, combining to miss 21 of their 30 attempts. The 76ers find themselves in last place in their group, and the team must find a way to turn things around quickly.
Understanding the NBA Cup Format
The NBA Cup features 30 teams divided into six five-team groups. Each team plays four games in a round-robin format, with the top eight teams advancing to a knockout round. This structure creates a competitive atmosphere where each game is crucial, and teams must perform consistently to secure their spots in the playoffs.
The tournament will continue, with the next set of games scheduled for November 19, including a highly anticipated matchup between the unbeaten Cavaliers and the reigning champion Celtics.
As the NBA Cup progresses, the competition intensifies, and fans can look forward to more thrilling performances and dramatic moments. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the tournament unfolds!