The remaining spots for the 2025 NBA Cup quarterfinals, set for Las Vegas, were secured on Wednesday.
Orlando Magic and New York Knicks previously advanced to the semifinals on Tuesday, meaning two berths remained contested by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs during the subsequent day of competition.
The initial matchup concluded favorably for the Thunder. The subsequent contest, despite an incredible highlight play from LeBron James, presented relatively little challenge for the Spurs. These two victorious teams are now slated to clash in the Western Conference semifinals.
Advancing to Las Vegas translates into a considerable financial bonus for certain athletes. Every full-time participant on a semifinal roster receives a payment of $106,187, a sum that increases with progression through each stage of the NBA Cup. Players on the championship-winning squad will collect $530,933, representing a substantial windfall for individuals on or near the league’s minimum annual salary of $1.366 million.
Spurs triumph despite LeBron James’s spectacular dunk
Despite Victor Wembanyama’s absence, the Spurs secured a comfortable victory on Wednesday evening.
In Southern California, the Spurs claimed a 132-119 win against the Lakers, concluding the quarterfinal phase. They maintained a lead for most of the game, ultimately clinching their fourth victory across five contests.
While the Spurs established an 18-point advantage in the second quarter — propelled by a significant 19-6 scoring burst to close the first quarter and a subsequent defensive effort limiting the Lakers to 4-of-15 shooting early in the second — the Lakers mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 12 points by halftime. Their collective effort, despite its potential for more, was entirely eclipsed by a classic performance from LeBron James.
During the concluding minute of the second period, the athlete approaching 41 years of age charged toward the basket and executed an incredible one-handed slam over Luke Kornet.
James’s response to the powerful dunk arguably stood out as the highlight. Prior to racing downcourt to register a block on the opposite end, James reacted emphatically directly at Kornet.
However, that marked the extent of their significant impact. The Spurs subsequently commenced the second half with a dominant 15-5 run, extending their lead to 22 points, and the outcome was effectively decided. They maintained their advantage through the latter part of the fourth quarter, withstanding a final surge from the Lakers to clinch the 13-point victory.
For the Lakers, Luka Dončić spearheaded the effort with 35 points and eight assists. James concluded with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Marcus Smart contributed 26 points as a reserve.
Stephon Castle spearheaded the Spurs’ performance with 30 points and 10 rebounds, sinking a crucial step-back three-pointer within the last two minutes to finalize the victory. De’Aaron Fox tallied 20 points, and Keldon Johnson contributed an additional 17 points.
Defeating the Thunder will undeniably be challenging — a fact they reiterated earlier on Wednesday — yet the Spurs also secured a commanding triumph. Should Wembanyama return, the Thunder’s impressive streak could face (at least temporarily) a threat of interruption.
Thunder deliver overwhelming defeat to undermanned Suns
The Oklahoma City Thunder boasted a 23-1 record. The Phoenix Suns were without Devin Booker. What outcome was anticipated?
Oklahoma City established its initial advantage merely 53 seconds into the contest and achieved a double-digit lead four minutes later. Before the second quarter reached one minute, their lead grew to 20 points. Similarly, within the first minute of the third quarter, they led by 30. Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was already observing his customary rest during a lopsided affair.
Subsequently, the Thunder’s reserve players began to overpower Phoenix.
The only noteworthy event following the opening quarter involved Grayson Allen’s ejection for engaging in a signature aggressive play against Chet Holmgren. Apart from that, the event at Paycom Center was a brutal display of dominance, as the NBA’s current all-time leader in victory margin recorded the season’s most substantial winning differential for any NBA game.
Their standing now sits at 24-1, encompassing 16 consecutive victories. They represent only the second franchise in NBA history to commence a season with a record of 24-1 or superior, matching the achievement of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
Gilgeous-Alexander topped all scorers with 28 points, achieved on 11-of-15 shooting, in addition to 8 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Chet Holmgren also contributed 28 points from 13 attempts, alongside 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists.
It is difficult to conceive of Booker’s participation altering the outcome, especially given the Thunder’s exceptional level of execution, unparalleled throughout the season. The Suns’ prominent player was sidelined due to a groin strain before the match. He has been inactive since the Suns’ triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers on December 1st, having now missed three contests.
