The third night of the 2025 NBA Cup brought thrilling matchups across both the Eastern and Western Conference, showcasing high-scoring performances as group play races towards its midpoint. The standout performance came from Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who delivered a spectacular display against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 49 points on 16-of-26 shooting. This remarkable achievement allowed him to tie Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games after turning 30, marking his 44th such game.
Despite being on the verge of defeat late in the game, the Warriors, buoyed by Curry’s brilliance, managed to turn the tide. San Antonio held a 10-point lead in the final quarter but fell short as De’Aaron Fox missed a critical shot that would have sealed the win for the Spurs. The victory improved the Warriors’ record to 1-1 in the competitive West Group C, which now sees all teams in the group with equal standings.
In another gripping matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers faced the Dallas Mavericks in a double-overtime thriller. James Harden led the Clippers with an impressive 41-point triple-double, though the game did not come without its challenges. The Mavericks, despite being shorthanded, made a late-game push that nearly clinched victory. A pivotal moment occurred when a controversial goaltending call on Mavericks center Daniel Gafford was overturned to reveal a spectacular block on Harden, changing the momentum. Ultimately, the Clippers prevailed, surviving a resilient Mavericks squad.
The evening also featured an electrifying contest between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Charlotte Hornets, where both teams put on a scoring display that culminated in overtime. The Bucks ultimately triumphed thanks in part to clutch shooting from their bench, leading to a convincing win in extra time. This victory means the Bucks remain unbeaten in their last ten games in the in-season tournament, solidifying their standing as a powerhouse.
In a closely contested game, the Detroit Pistons extended their winning streak to nine games, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 114-105 despite missing several key players. Javonte Green and Daniss Jenkins stepped up to deliver strong performances, showcasing the team’s depth.
In contrast, the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the Miami Heat in a high-scoring affair, with standout performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Landry Shamet. Norman Powell had a noteworthy performance for the Heat, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
As the NBA Cup continues, teams are poised for fierce competition, with ever-changing dynamics, thrilling finishes, and standout individual performances highlighting the excitement of this in-season tournament.