In an exhilarating Wednesday of NBA action, the final spots for the 2025 NBA Cup quarterfinals were sealed as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs advanced to the semifinals.
On Tuesday, the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks had already secured their places, leaving the Thunder, Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns to battle it out for the final two berths. The Thunder showcased their dominance in a decisive matchup against the Suns, while the Spurs overcame the Lakers despite a standout moment from LeBron James.
In their game, the Thunder wasted no time establishing their offensive prowess, taking command just 53 seconds into the game. They quickly accumulated a double-digit lead, which ballooned to 30 points by the third quarter. The final score reflected a staggering 24-point margin, marking the largest victory of the NBA season thus far. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 28 points, while Chet Holmgren matched his scoring output, illustrating the Thunder’s formidable depth. The absence of Devin Booker for the Suns, sidelined with a groin strain, further complicated their efforts to compete.
Meanwhile, the Spurs clinched their semifinal spot with a convincing 132-119 victory over the Lakers, demonstrating resilience even without their star player Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs commanded the game, maintaining an 18-point lead at one point. Despite LeBron James’ highlight-reel dunk over Luke Kornet which stoked momentary excitement for Lakers fans, the Spurs controlled the flow of the game, with Stephon Castle leading their scoring with 30 points.
Both the Thunder and the Spurs’ victories conveyed significant implications beyond mere bragging rights; players on semifinal rosters earn substantial financial bonuses, bolstering their season earnings as they head deeper into the competition.
As the NBA Cup semifinals approach, the Spurs will look to challenge the Thunder, who have been in remarkable form and currently hold a record of 24-1. The prospect of Victor Wembanyama’s return for the Spurs adds an intriguing layer to this matchup and may alter the competitive dynamics as these teams vie for advancement in the tournament.
This competitive spirit and the potential for thrilling performances have NBA fans eagerly awaiting what lies ahead in the semifinals, underscoring the excitement that defines the league this season.