2025 NBA Cup: Thrilling Third Night Highlights
During the thrilling third night of the 2025 NBA Cup, basketball fans were treated to dramatic matchups from both conferences, highlighting the ever-exciting group play just shy of its halfway point.
Standout Performances
Among the standout performances, Stephen Curry once again showcased his legendary skills, leading the Golden State Warriors to a remarkable victory over the San Antonio Spurs with an impressive 49 points, shooting an outstanding 61.5% from the field (16-of-26). With this feat, he matched Michael Jordan’s record for the most 40-point games after turning 30, bringing his total to 44.
In a tense fourth quarter, the Warriors found themselves trailing by 10 points but executed a remarkable comeback. Despite a last-gasp effort from the Spurs, including a missed opportunity from De’Aaron Fox that would have changed the game’s outcome, the Warriors prevailed, securing their first win in NBA Cup West Group C.
Double-Overtime Drama
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers engaged in a marathon double-overtime clash against the Dallas Mavericks. James Harden dominated with a heroic 41-point triple-double that guided the Clippers to victory, despite Dallas fighting back late into regulation. A crucial call during a possible game-ending scenario saw Mavericks’ center Daniel Gafford’s initially ruled goaltending reversed after video review confirmed a spectacular block on Harden’s layup. Though the Mavericks rallied with impressive performances off the bench from players like Naji Marshall and D’Angelo Russell, they couldn’t pull through in the second overtime.
Overtime Thrills
Another captivating overtime game unfolded between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Charlotte Hornets. The Bucks, driven by a balanced scoring effort from eight players in double figures, managed to fend off Charlotte’s strong individual efforts, including 32 points each from Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Kneuppel. Kon’s clutch three-pointer sent the game into overtime, but Milwaukee maintained their dominance in this year’s tournament, improving to a perfect 10-0 overall in NBA Cup history.
Pistons’ Continued Success
In the realm of regular play, the Detroit Pistons achieved their ninth consecutive victory by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 114-105. Stepping up in the absence of several key players, including Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris, Javonte Green led the Pistons with 21 points while Daniss Jenkins contributed 19 points and eight assists, showcasing the depth of the Pistons’ roster.
Notable Highlights and Current Standings
As NBA Cup Week 3 continued, notable highlights included a sensational dunk by Tre Mann and an alley-oop from Victor Wembanyama. The current standings illustrate the competitive nature of this year’s tournament, with teams striving for playoff positions as group play continues.
Here’s a snapshot of the current standings:
- East Group A: Toronto Raptors (2-0, +23), Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1, +23)
- East Group B: Detroit Pistons (2-0, +27), Orlando Magic (2-0, +20)
- East Group C: Milwaukee Bucks (2-0, +16), Chicago Bulls (1-1, -6)
- West Group A: Minnesota Timberwolves (2-0, +54), Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0, +31)
- West Group B: Los Angeles Lakers (2-0, +19), Los Angeles Clippers (2-0, +2)
- West Group C: Denver Nuggets (1-1, +23), San Antonio Spurs (1-1, +10)
As we continue to follow the action, fans are eager to see how the tournament unfolds with each contending team looking to cement their legacy in the 2025 season.
