NBA Cup Roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shines, Knicks dominate, and Heat escape the Bucks

Thursday’s NBA Cup group play delivered drama, clutch performances, and standout individual efforts as teams continue to jockey for early positioning in the tournament.

Knicks Cruise Past Hornets 129-101

The New York Knicks made a strong statement on the road against the struggling Charlotte Hornets. New York jumped out early with a 37-point first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game. 

Julius Hart led the charge with 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, coming up big in crunch moments and distributing the ball efficiently to keep the Hornets on their heels. Brandon Miller tried to keep Charlotte in the fight with 18 points, but New York’s balance and depth proved too much, as the Knicks steadily extended their lead through the second and third quarters. 

Charlotte’s defense couldn’t contain New York’s firepower, particularly in transition, which allowed the Knicks to secure a comfortable 28-point victory.

Heat Hold Off Bucks 106-103 in Thriller

In Miami, the Heat and Bucks played a tightly contested game that went down to the wire. Tyler Herro starred for Miami with 29 points and seven assists, hitting several key shots in the fourth quarter to maintain a slim lead. 

R.J. Rollins had a strong showing for Milwaukee, posting 26 points and seven rebounds, keeping the Bucks in contention with several clutch baskets. The Heat’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and make critical free throws late in the game proved decisive. Despite the Bucks’ valiant effort and a late surge in the final minutes, Miami held on for the 106-103 win, demonstrating poise under pressure.

Raptors Squeeze Past Pacers 97-95

Toronto edged out the Indiana Pacers in a nail-biting matchup, relying on a balanced offensive attack and late-game execution. Scottie Barnes was the star for the Raptors, recording a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while also providing energy and defensive presence, with Brandon Ingram hitting the game-winner with 0.6 seconds left on the clock.

 T.J. McConnell led Indiana with 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, orchestrating key plays in the final minutes. The game featured several lead changes in the fourth quarter, with Toronto ultimately holding on thanks to a combination of clutch mid-range shooting and timely rebounds from Barnes. The Pacers fought hard, but their missed opportunities down the stretch kept them from finishing the upset.

Thunder Outlast Timberwolves 113-105

At Paycom Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder relied on superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put on a clinic with 40 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards countered with 31 points and eight rebounds, keeping the game competitive deep into the fourth quarter. 

The Thunder pulled away with key transition buckets and late defensive stops, showcasing their experience in tight contests. Minnesota’s young core showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately couldn’t match the consistency and efficiency of Gilgeous-Alexander’s attack, allowing Oklahoma City to secure the eight-point win.

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“For what? For what?”

— Coach Spo didn’t realize the team was celebrating him reaching 800 wins.

(via @MiamiHEAT)

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— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 27, 2025

Grizzlies Outscore Pelicans 133-128 in High-Scoring Affair

Memphis and New Orleans combined for over 260 points in a fast-paced, high-octane contest. Zach Edey dominated the boards for Memphis, recording a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double, while Jose Alvarado led the Pelicans with 24 points, spearheading several key runs. 

The game saw multiple lead changes, with both teams trading baskets in the second and third quarters. Memphis’ offensive firepower and superior ball movement in the critical final minutes allowed them to pull ahead and survive New Orleans’ late pushes, finishing with a thrilling 133-128 victory.

Rockets Top Warriors 104-100 in Western Clash

The Houston Rockets stunned the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in a tight matchup. Reed Sheppard was unstoppable, scoring 31 points and grabbing nine rebounds, including several crucial baskets down the stretch. 

Jimmy Butler III provided 21 points for the Warriors but couldn’t match Sheppard’s intensity in the final minutes. Houston executed well in transition, converting turnovers into points, while Golden State struggled to maintain defensive cohesion. The Rockets’ composure in the fourth quarter sealed a four-point road win and demonstrated their potential as a dangerous team in group play.

Spurs Dominate Trail Blazers 115-102 Behind Fox’s Heroics

San Antonio showcased its scoring depth in a 115-102 victory over Portland. De’Aaron Fox led the charge with 37 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, consistently creating opportunities for himself and teammates. 

Portland’s Deni Avdija matched Fox’s point total with 37 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, but the Trail Blazers couldn’t match San Antonio’s third-quarter surge that created a decisive lead. The Spurs’ balanced scoring and defensive stops in the final period allowed them to control the tempo and finish comfortably, leaving Portland to rue missed opportunities earlier in the contest.

Suns Dominate Kings 112-100

In Phoenix, the Suns flexed both offense and defense against the Sacramento Kings. Mikal Williams posted a dominant 21-point, 16-rebound, three-steal performance, anchoring Phoenix’s frontcourt. 

De’Aaron Murray scored 19 points for Sacramento but couldn’t overcome the Suns’ explosive first quarter, where Phoenix scored 41 points to set the tone. The Kings attempted several runs throughout the game but fell short as the Suns maintained consistent pressure on both ends of the court, finishing with a 12-point victory.

Thursday’s NBA Cup slate highlighted some familiar stars carrying their teams, close contests with clutch fourth-quarter performances, and high-scoring affairs that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive lapses. As group play continues, teams will look to build momentum and refine rotations ahead of the next round of games. 

Star Performers of the Day

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder): 40 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists – carried the Thunder past the Timberwolves. 
• De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs): 37 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists – led the Spurs in a dominant win over Portland. 
• Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers): 37 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists – kept the game competitive despite the loss. 
• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves): 31 points, 8 rebounds – top scorer for the Wolves in their loss to OKC. 
• Rondae Sheppard (Houston Rockets): 31 points, 9 rebounds – instrumental in Houston’s upset over Golden State. 
• Mikal Williams (Phoenix Suns): 21 points, 16 rebounds, 3 steals – anchored Phoenix’s frontcourt in a win over Sacramento. 
• Julius Hart (New York Knicks): 22 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists – led the Knicks to a comfortable win over Charlotte.

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