NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Western Conference Teams Battle for Semifinal Spots
The NBA Cup quarterfinals are heating up, with two spots in the semifinals already clinched on Tuesday. The Western Conference teams are now under pressure to perform, with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs visiting the Los Angeles Lakers. According to ESPN Research, the Thunder are on a historic run, boasting a 23-1 record, tied for the second-best 24-game start in NBA history with the 1969-70 New York Knicks.
The Thunder’s impressive record is largely due to the outstanding performance of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the team with 32.8 points per game. Center Chet Holmgren is also having a remarkable season, averaging career highs in points (18.6) and rebounds (8.1). The Thunder’s 15-game winning streak is tied for the longest win streak in franchise history, and they will be looking to extend this streak against the Suns. As reported by ESPN, the Thunder reached the NBA Cup final last season, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Phoenix Suns Face Off Against Oklahoma City Thunder
The Phoenix Suns will be looking to bounce back from their recent losses, having won only one of their last four games. However, they will be without their star player Devin Booker, who is out with a groin injury sustained on December 1. Forward Dillon Brooks will be relied upon to lead the team, with a career-high 22.3 points per game. The Suns narrowly lost to the Thunder 123-119 last month in an NBA Cup group game, and they will be seeking revenge in this matchup.
As noted by NBA.com, the Lakers have the highest-scoring starting backcourt in the NBA, with Luka Doncic averaging 35 points per game and Austin Reaves putting up a career-high 28.4 points per game. LeBron James is also having a strong season, averaging 16.1 points per game after missing the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica. The Lakers defeated the Spurs 118-116 in their most recent matchup on November 5, and they will be looking to repeat this performance.
San Antonio Spurs Face Injury Issues
The San Antonio Spurs have been plagued by injuries, with star center Victor Wembanyama sidelined since November 14 with a calf injury and guard Stephon Castle missing 10 games due to a hip flexor strain. Although Castle has returned to action, Wembanyama remains out, leaving the Spurs with a significant gap in their lineup. As reported by CBS Sports, the Spurs will need to rely on their depth and teamwork to overcome the Lakers’ strong offense.
With the semifinals on the line, these matchups promise to be intense and exciting. Who will punch their ticket to Las Vegas for the semifinals? Follow along for live updates and highlights. The NBA Cup quarterfinals are shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament, with the best teams in the Western Conference battling it out for a spot in the semifinals.
