NBA Cup Hub 💻🏀

Missed a night of Group Play? No problem. Find everything you need to know about the latest developments in the 2025 NBA Cup here, including statistics, results, and standings as teams enter their second and third games of the opening stage.

 

Final Scores 🚨

Cavaliers 120, Pacers 109

Nets 113, Celtics 105

Raptors 140, Wizards 110

Heat 143, Bulls 107

Mavericks 118, Pelicans 115

Suns 114, Timberwolves 113

Nuggets 112, Rockets 109

Thunder 144, Jazz 112

Trail Blazers 127, Warriors 123

November 21, 1:30 AM

What we know after tonight’s NBA Cup action 📝

  1. Raptors first to advance to Knockout Round: The Raptors acquisition of Brandon Ingram prior to last season’s trade deadline is paying dividends. His ability to stretch the defense, score in isolation, and use his length on defense have all been complementary traits. With Ingram next to Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, this group looks more and more confident with each win. Tonight marked their sixth consecutive win outright, and ensures they will vie for a trip to Las Vegas in the Knockout Round.
  2. West Group C leader is… the Portland Trail Blazers: Writing off this team moving forward would be a mistake. Without Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, and more, this team went into Chase Center and defeated the Warriors who were close to full strength. Deni Avdija deserves significant recognition for his all-around play. He’s turned in his two best passing games of the year, with 11 and 14 assists in back-to-back outings.
  3. Nuggets withstand Rockets best punch: Houston’s leading scorers, Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant, were held to 14 and 13 points respectively. The Rockets supporting cast was exceptional, though. Reed Sheppard scored a career-high 27 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson each topped 20. Collectively, it wasn’t enough to take down Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Since Denver dropped their first Group Play game to Portland, the Trail Blazers hold first place in Group C, but the Nuggets cannot be counted out as wildcard threats.
  4. Timberwolves suffer brutal final-minute defeat: In the matter of one minute, Minnesota went from first to third in West Group A. They entered at 2-0, with Phoenix and Oklahoma City at 1-0. Leading the Suns by eight with under a minute to play, a pair of missed free throws from Anthony Edwards set up Colin Gillespie’s game-winning shot. Just like that, Phoenix jumps Minnesota. Later on Oklahoma City would as well, with a resounding win over the Utah Jazz.
  5. Cooper Flagg turns in best game of rookie season: For those waiting to see ‘it’ from the Mavericks rookie, look no further. He scored 29 points, 21 in the second half, on 12-of-19 shooting. He also had the game-winning assist to Naji Marshall from beyond the arc. Only LeBron James has a game of 25 points, five rebounds and five assists at a younger age. He led Dallas to its first win of Group Play, against former high school teammate Derik Queen, who was mighty impressive himself. The 13th overall pick finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists for New Orleans.

November 21, 12:45 AM

Caleb Love closes out Dubs 👏

What a night from the undrafted rookie, Caleb Love. His two threes in the final 90 seconds were just what Portland needed to survive a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors. Finding him for several of his six made threes was Deni Avdija, who amassed 14 assists beside his 26 points. Avdija has now led the Trail Blazers to NBA Cup wins over the Nuggets and now Golden State.

November 21, 12:30 AM

Was there every any doubt? OKC Crushes Utah

This game started with the Jazz shooting the lights out from three, en route to 44 first-quarter points and a double-digit lead on the best team in the league. From the second quarter onward, the reigning NBA Champs outscored Utah 110 to 68. The switch flipped in the second quarter, and midway through the third this game felt like it was over. Every active player for the Thunder scored at least five points tonight.

Oklahoma City remains unbeaten in Group Play, improving to 2-0. The Jazz, now 0-2, hold the second-worst point differential (-62) of all 30 teams.

November 21, 12:20 AM

Blazers on the brink of 2nd Cup win 👀

This one is far from finished, but Portland is eyeing another upset win during Group Play. The Trail Blazers have four twenty-point scorers in Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, rookie Caleb Love and Donovan Clingan. This group has withstood a hefty dosage of Stephen Curry, who’s sitting on 32 points with three minutes left to play in the fourth.

November 21, 12:15 AM

Nuggets survive slugfest 😮‍💨

This was the definition of a hard-fought victory. The Houston Rockets stormed back in the second half, and held the lead halfway through the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Nuggets found a way to overcome even with Aaron Gordon leaving the game early and never returning, on top of the absence of Christian Braun. Denver moves to 2-1 in West Group C while the Rockets chances of advancing take a real hit, falling to 1-2.

Down the stretch, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić found ways to execute when it mattered most. The possession below may have been the most pivotal – Houston plays tremendous defense for the duration of the shot clock, yet Jamal Murray still drills a difficult floater to keep a four-point cushion. Still, Houston fought to the final buzzer.

 

November 21, 11:50 PM

MADNESS IN PHX, SUNS WIN 🚨

With Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks watching from the sidelines with six fouls, Collin Gillespie delivered a game-winning bucket for Phoenix in a remarkable come from behind victory, 114-113. Gillespie has been a key contributor for Phoenix while Jalen Green returns from injury. His 20-point performance and clutch floater tonight proved why he’s earned that opportunity. Re-live the final moments below.

November 21, 11:35 PM

Jazz won’t go away 🎷

The blitzing start was not a facade for Utah. They are still within striking distance, but now trail Oklahoma City by four midway through the third quarter. This overhead save by rookie Ace Bailey led to another Utah triple.

November 21, 11:25 PM

Rockets guards putting in work

Points have not come easy in this one. After Houston scored just 12 points in the opening quarter, their guards are powering them against the Nuggets. Reed Sheppard came off the bench and delivered 20 first-half points, while Amen Thompson picked up his productivity in the third.

Centers made these passes?!

We’ve come to expect plays like these from both of the opposing big men, but that doesn’t make watching their work any less mezmorizing.

November 21, 11:20 PM

That’s what he does 🤷‍♂️

Stephen Curry is more than a handful to contain, which the Portland Trail blazers are learning tonight. Golden State scored 44 points in the second quarter. They trailed Portland by seven after the first quarter, but lead by seven at the half. Curry has a game-high 23 points and has already drilled six triples tonight.

November 21, 11:10 PM

😳 Joker Poster 😳

The Houston defense may have been caught by surprise when Nikola Jokić decided to flush one home over not one, but two defenders. What can’t the three-time MVP do? The Nuggets hold just a two-point lead wih 4:29 remaining in the third quarter.

November 21, 10:50 PM

Cooper Flagg Scores Career-High in Win 🚨

21 of Cooper Flagg’s 29 points came in the second half tonight, in a thrilling win for the Mavericks over the New Orleans Pelicans. Dallas leaned on the rookie for playmaking, scoring and defense – and he delivered. New Orleans falls to 0-3 in Group Play, ending their hopes of winning West Group B.

November 21, 10:50 PM

Ant gets hot ♨️ , Anybody’s Game

Anthony Edwards scored 18 points in the third quarter to bring his team back from down 13 points at halftime. The Phoenix Suns were outscored 33-19 coming out of halftime. The Timberwolves hold a one-point edge now as we prepare for an exciting, must-win game in NBA Cup Play.

November 21, 10:45 PM

Down to the Wire in Dallas, Rookies Showing Out 🚨

The Pelicans and Mavericks are both winless in Group Play so far, and are playing hard to avoid falling to 0-3. This one heated up in the third when Dallas erased a double-digit halftime deficit. Ever since, the two teams have exchanged the lead as we enter the final five minutes of play.

November 21, 10:40 PM

Scoreboard Double-Take 🧐

You’re not seeing things, the Utah Jazz have lead Oklahoma City 44-30 after the opening quarter. Keyonte George went upstairs for a highlight slam, while Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Love have sank six threes combined already. Utah’s defense will have to improve if they hope to hold off OKC for all four quarters.

November 21, 10:30 PM

Bulls Torched by Heat 🔥

Miami marches on to the tune of a 36-point victory. The team eclipsed 100 points before the final frame began. Erik Spoelstra’s group is dialed in offensively, attacking nonstop and putting pressure on opposing defenses. Their aggressiveness generated a staggering 44 free throw attempts, while Miami’s defense held Chicago’s offense in check while forcing 18 turnovers.

November 21, 10:26 PM

Can Wolves Answer?

The Phoenix Suns are one half away from improving to 2-0 in Group Play. Minnesota is 2-0 already, but would lose any cushion with a loss tonight. Collin Gillespie has impressed off the bench, and is putting together one of the best games of his young career tonight.

November 21, 10:20 PM

Gordon Exits Game

The Denver Nuggets may have to get it done without Aaron Gordon tonight. The power forward exited early on, showing signs of aggrevation to a nagging hamstring injury. Shortly after, the team gave an update on his status, deeming him questionable to return.

Meanwhile, Houston’s offense was on ice in the opening quarter, scoring just 12 points in the first 12 minutes. The team quickly turned the page in the second, however, led by Reed Sheppard’s strong play off the bench. Denver’s 13-point first quarter lead is now down to seven.

 

November 21, 10:10 PM

Mavericks 15-2 Run 👀

Dallas trailed by double-digits at halftime, but has shifted into gear during the third quarter. Rookie Cooper Flagg and PJ Washington combined for some stellar play on both sides of the ball to give their team the lead over New Orleans.

Avdija on a Roll

The Trail Blazers are taking on the Golden State Warriors tonight. Many slated them to be on the bottom looking up in the standings of a loaded West Group C, however, that isn’t the case. In their first Group Play game, Portland defeated the Denver Nuggets. Thanks to the strong play of Deni Avdija as of late, his team has a chance to leapfrog the Warriors with a win tonight, as both teams enter 1-1 in Group Play.

Nets Sink C’s Cup Hopes

November 21, 10:03 PM

From the early goings of this one, Brooklyn looked like they were eyeing an upset, and they delivered in the end. Michael Porter Jr. scored 33 points, and center Nic Claxton registered his first career triple-double. The two connected for a poster dunk and assist in the final minutes to put an exclamation mark on the victory.

Boston falls to 1-2 in NBA Cup play, making their chances of catching up to 2-0 Detroit or Orlando slim to none.

Cavs Shut the Door 🚪

The Indiana Pacers made this one interesting, climbing back to within 10 points in the final quarter, but a final surge of offense from Cleveland put this one to bed. Four Cavaliers topped 20 points tonight, while Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard scored a collective 79 points.

Toronto Cruises 🚢

There was never a doubt in this one. Toronto led nearly wire-to-wire and becomes the first team in the league to notch three NBA Cup Group Play wins this year. Overall, it was the team’s sixth straight victory, an indication that they are in rhythm as the stakes get higher as the knockout round comes into view.

Coop Soars & Slams

November 21, 9:51 PM

Cooper Flagg finished the half with just eight points, but these two came in style. The rookie is hoping to lead his team to their first NBA Cup win this year, but have a double-digit deficit to overcome against the Pelicans. The second half starts now on NBA League Pass.

November 21, 9:47 PM

Crunch Time 😬

Can the Brooklyn Nets win their first NBA Cup game? They’re only a few minutes away from knocking off the Boston Celtics on the road. Tune in now to see the final moments of this East Group B matchup.

November 21, 9:44 PM

The Heat entered this game third in the NBA in team points per game, and they poured in 70 during the first half. Norman Powell has a team-high 19 points midway through the third quarter, with his team leading Chicago by 20. The Bulls are struggling to keep up without Coby White in the lineup tonight

November 21, 9:40 PM

Battle of the Bigs

This one has the potential to be the best game of the night. The second and third best team in the western conference are ready for tip – tonight their place in the NBA Cup is on the line. All five teams in West Group C enter tonight 1-1 in Group Play. The difference could come down to which big man has the better night.

November 21, 9:30 PM

High Stakes in PHX

The Suns and Timberwolves are underway in West Group A action. The Timberwolves have won eight consecutive games against the Suns, but Phoenix holds the slight edge early. Minnesota is hoping to move to 3-0 in Group Play, but this Phoenix unit is much improved defensively this year. A sound possession in the first quarter forces a Timberwolves shot clock violation, setting the tone for a hard-fought game the rest of the way.

November 21, 9:22 PM

Pels-Mavs Seeking First Cup Win

This game has been all sorts of fun during the first half. Rookie center Derik Queen is piling up the assist highlights, collecting seven dimes in the first quarter alone. Zion Williamson also appears to have an on-demand elevator service. The former first overall draft pick looks to be fully healthy with the way he’s skying for rebounds and alley-oops.

November 21, 9:14 PM

Toronto in Full Control 

The Raptors are seeking their sixth straight win, and ninth out of their last 10. There’s no denying this team is going to a true NBA Cup contender if this play continues. Check out this bird’s eye view of the Raptor offense breaking down Washington with ball movement.

November 21, 9:00 PM

Cavs Pulling Away 💨

The Pacers were very competitive to begin this game, yet the gap between these team is being revealed the more it plays out. After leading by only seven at halftime, the Cleveland lead is up to 19 heading into the 4th quarter.

Lonzo Ball was a key part of the third quarter burst with his superb playmaking. Meanwhile, all five Cavaliers starters are now in double digits.

AND STILL 🌭

The world of competitive eating goes through Joey Chestnut, and though hot dogs were not on the menu tonight, the outcome was never in doubt. The fans in Cleveland got some Thanksgiving inspiration tonight from the eating champ.

November 21, 8:28 PM

Mean in Green 😤

Look out for Neemias Queta! The Celtics big man rolled to the rim and finished with authority. Brooklyn isn’t going anywhere, though, as the teams exchange leads with halftime approaching.

November 21, 8:18 PM

HT in Cleveland

The Cavaliers are gaining separation from the Pacers, but Indiana is still in striking range at the half. Darius Garland has a game-high 18 points after a hot-shooting half from beyond the arc. The trio of Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin have combined for 44 of the Pacers’ 55 points at the break.

 

November 21, 8:10 PM

6MOY Contender 👀

The new free-flowing offense in Miami has reinvigorated the Heat. Only two teams score more than the Heat’s nightly average of 123.6 points. One clear beneficiary has been Jaime Jaquez Jr., who appears to be at home in this system. He’s among the top in many off-the-bench statistics, while being one of the most relentless drivers in the league.

November 21, 8:00 PM

Lottery Pick Showcase

Here’s a look at the starting lineups for tonight’s matchup with the Mavericks and Pelicans. Dallas remains without Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, but top overall draft pick Cooper Flagg is back in the lineup. The Duke rookie missed the previous game due to an illness.

On the other side, New Orleans is starting a pair of lottery picks. Point guard Jeremiah Fears was chosen seventh overall while big man Derik Queen was chosen 13th. Queen was exceptional in his last game, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and two steals against the Denver Nuggets.

 

November 21, 7:53 PM

MPJ on a Tear 😮‍💨

The Nets hold an early lead over the Celtics, even though Michael Porter Jr. has started one-of-four from the field. If recent trends continue, expect MPJ to heat up tonight. Over his last seven games he’s averaging 27 points per contest.

November 21, 7:45 PM

Sharing is Caring

Cleveland takes a slim lead into the second quarter over the Pacers. Evan Mobley is the leading scorer for his team after finishing the quarter with 12 points and two rebounds. The ball zipped around the half-court before finding Donovan Mitchell for this swish from downtown. The Pacers trail 33-31 after one.

7:30 Slate begins 🕢

  • Nets @ Celtics – Watch
  • Wizards @ Raptors – Watch

November 21, 7:28 PM

Nembhard going to work

Andrew Nembhard holds the reigns at point guard for the Pacers, in the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. He’s getting the job done early tonight, as the first Pacers player to reach double-digits. His team is looking for their first NBA Cup win, as they only have two wins total on the year.

Mathurin’s Scorching Start 🔥

Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin has missed more games than he’s played this year, but he’s been elite scoring the ball when available. Pacers legend Reggie Miller is the only player in franchise history with a high scoring average through their first four games of a season. Aaron Nesmith is out tonight for Indiana, along with Haliburton, of course, leaving the door open for another big scoring night for Mathurin.

November 21, 7:10 PM

Celts & Nets tip-off Soon

Both teams enter this matchup with ground to cover in East Group B. The Celtics hold a one-game edge on the Nets, who are in search of a win after dropping the team’s first two tournament games. Jaylen Brown enters the night averaging a career-high 27.5 points on the season.

The Nets players chimed in on a hotly debated internet trend as of late, pertaining to fashion: Quarter zip or Nike tech? It was a tight race decided by a single vote in the end. The team’s leading scorer, Michael Porter Jr., opting for neither. Instead he shouted out Puma, the brand he rocks on the court.

 

Cleveland’s Keys 🔑

The Cavaliers believe big man Evan Mobley is the x-factor in tonight’s NBA Cup contest. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been tame as of late, scoring 20 or more points just once in his past five outings. Clevelands coaching staff believes getting him going early tonight could be the difference maker.

November 21, 2025 6:50 PM

Top storylines to follow 👇

  1. The chopping block: In tonight’s NBA Cup action, some teams will have the chance to move one step closer to advancing to the next round, while others are on the verge of elimination. Those who fall in the middle will be competing to the final whistle, as point differential is used as the final tiebreaker for the current stage.
  2. Raptors, Wolves looking for 3-0 start: Toronto has looked the part of a true NBA Cup contender. The Raptors are looking to maintain their early season momentum with a win tonight, as all other teams in East Group A have at least one loss already. It’s a similar case for Minnesota, also looking for a 3rd win tonight. Except, the Suns and Thunder are also unbeaten in West Group A. The Timberwolves will have to keep Phoenix at bay to maintain pole position.
  3. Rockets-Nuggets Showdown: Behind only Oklahoma City, Denver and Houston are the top teams in the Western Conference standings. All three of the West’s current top-three teams belong in West Group C, beside the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. This group is deadlocked with all five teams entering the night 1-1 so far in Group Play.