The curtain rose on the third act of the 2025 NBA Cup on this night, showcasing riveting contests across both Eastern and Western Conferences as the group stage approaches its midpoint. Yet, the spectacle paled in comparison to the brilliance displayed by Stephen Curry.
We’ve reached a juncture where witnessing the Golden State Warriors luminary ignite in the clutch seems perpetually captivating. This Friday, the San Antonio Spurs bore witness. The toll: 49 points, materializing from 16 successful attempts out of 26. This feat also etched his name alongside Michael Jordan’s, marking their 44th instances of securing 40 or more points post-30.
Apart from Curry, only one other Warrior, Jimmy Butler, eclipsed the 10-point mark.
The Spurs nearly subdued the Warriors, seizing a 10-point advantage deep into the fourth quarter, an apparent prelude. However, this only served as the stage for Curry’s grand performance. San Antonio’s final attempt at victory was thwarted by a missed shot from De’Aaron Fox.
Every contingent within Group C of the West now stands at 1-1 in the group phase, epitomizing the unpredictable nature desired in such encounters.
The marathon of the evening unfolded in Dallas, where the Los Angeles Clippers triumphed over an incomplete Dallas Mavericks squad after a double overtime showdown, fueled by a 41-point triple-double courtesy of James Harden. L.A. commanded a lead as substantial as 13 points in the fourth quarter, but a late surge compelled extra time.
The climax seemingly arrived in the first overtime when Mavericks’ center, Daniel Gafford, faced a goaltending call on Harden. Yet, NBA’s advanced ball-tracking technology determined an upward trajectory.
It was, unequivocally, a phenomenal rejection.
Though it granted Dallas a reprieve, it couldn’t deliver salvation. A lineup propelled by 28 points each from Naji Marshall and D’Angelo Russell, both emerging from the bench, conceded an early deficit in double overtime from which they couldn’t recover.
The other overtime affair showcased an epic duel between the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets, where eight distinct Bucks players notched double-digit scores to counteract twin 32-point performances from Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Kneuppel, the latter securing the game-tying 3-pointer that initiated OT.
Much like the Clippers’ triumph, however, the Bucks shrugged off the potential setback, dominating in OT. They now stand at 10-0 in NBA group phase encounters across the tournament’s three-year history. Assistant coach Darvin Ham, formerly steering the Los Angeles Lakers, maintains an unblemished record, injecting a humorous subplot into the event.
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Returning to the realm of contests decided within regulation, the Detroit Pistons extended their streak to nine with a 114-105 conquest over the Philadelphia 76ers, despite missing pivotal players.
Cade Cunningham (hip), Tobias Harris (ankle), Ausar Thompson (ankle), and Jalen Duren (ankle) watched from the sidelines, allowing figures such as Javonte Green (team-high 21 points, nine rebounds) and Daniss Jenkins (19 points, eight assists) to ascend.
The clash between the Miami Heat and New York Knicks also yielded a high-scoring spectacle. The Knicks emerged victorious with a 140-132 score, headlined by a 39-point outing from Karl-Anthony Towns and a surprising 36-point contribution from Landry Shamet off the bench.
Norman Powell continued his stellar year with 38 points for Miami but couldn’t prevent New York from seizing control late.
Dunk of the Night
Dunk of the Night (Victor Wembanyama edition)
NBA Cup Night 3 scoreboard
NBA Cup Standings
East Group A
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Toronto Raptors (2-0, +23)
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Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1, +23)
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Indiana Pacers (0-1, -20)
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Washington Wizards (0-1, -34)
East Group B
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Detroit Pistons (2-0, +27)
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Boston Celtics (1-1, -12)
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Philadelphia 76ers (0-2, -10)
East Group C
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Milwaukee Bucks (2-0, +16)
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New York Knicks (1-1, -2)
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Charlotte Hornets (0-2, -18)
West Group A
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Minnesota Timberwolves (2-0, +54)
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Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0, +31)
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Sacramento Kings (0-2, -45)
West Group B
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Los Angeles Lakers (2-0 +19)
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Los Angeles Clippers (2-0, +2)
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Memphis Grizzlies (1-1, +9)
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New Orleans Pelicans (0-2, -14)
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Dallas Mavericks (0-2, -16)
West Group C
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Denver Nuggets (1-1, +23)
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Houston Rockets (1-1, +13)
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San Antonio Spurs (1-1, +10)
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Portland Trail Blazers (1-1, -22)
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Golden State Warriors (1-1, -24)
