The NBA’s November schedule wrapped up with the conclusion of the NBA Cup group stage, which had a different format this season. Instead of a continuous stretch, the group stage featured games over three days during Thanksgiving week, offering fans some exciting basketball. The group stage ended Friday, with eight teams advancing to the knockout round: the Knicks, Magic, Raptors, and Heat from the East, and the Thunder, Lakers, Spurs, and Suns from the West.
Quarterfinals will be held at the home arenas of the Lakers, Thunder, Magic, and Raptors, while the semifinals and final will take place in Las Vegas. Here’s a look at the key winners and losers from the group stage.
The Orlando Magic had a shaky start but bounced back strongly, now winning 8 of their last 10 games. After trading four first-round picks for Desmond Bane, who had no previous All-Star appearances, their early 4-6 record raised concerns. However, Bane’s game-winning three-pointer in Game 11 sparked a comeback, helping the Magic top their group with a win over the Pistons. Orlando’s recent offensive and defensive success, a rarity for them historically, suggests they might be a team to watch in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the defending NBA Cup champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, struggled with a seven-game losing streak and were eliminated from contention, marking a surprising downturn. By contrast, the Lakers, last year’s champions, dominated their group with a perfect 4-0 record and have a strong shot at winning two of the first three cups if they continue their momentum.
The Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns emerged as surprise contenders. Toronto boasts a 14-5 record and went undefeated in their group, while the Suns pushed the Thunder to the edge and controlled their group overall. Both teams have exceeded expectations but have yet to prove themselves against higher-caliber opponents. The NBA Cup presents a vital chance for these teams to solidify their reputations by competing against top-tier rivals in Las Vegas.
The Houston Rockets struggled in a tough group, losing four games including one to the Spurs led by Victor Wembanyama. The Lakers, although undefeated since LeBron James’s return, haven’t yet faced elite competition, highlighting the need for a true test against teams like the Thunder or Spurs. A matchup against the 18-1 Thunder in Las Vegas offers a prime early-season challenge for the Lakers.
A notable challenge for the NBA is ensuring that high-profile games showcase the healthiest and most marketable players. The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, a fan favorite, was sidelined with a calf injury and his participation in the upcoming quarterfinals is uncertain. This absence affects the appeal of the Spurs’ games and leaves some anticipation hanging over the tournament’s next phase.
Fan Take: The NBA Cup’s evolving format is creating early-season excitement and spotlighting emerging teams like Orlando, Toronto, and Phoenix. For basketball fans, it’s a fresh way to see rising stars and unexpected stories, potentially reshaping how the league promotes competitive intensity throughout the season.
