The NBA Cup group stage wrapped up on Friday with exciting finales determining the eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals. In the East, the Knicks, Magic, Raptors and Heat progressed, while the Thunder, Lakers, Spurs and Suns secured spots in the West. Key wins included the Magic's narrow victory over the Pistons and the Knicks' triumph against the Bucks.
The NBA Cup group stage came to a close on Friday, November 29, 2025, setting the stage for the knockout rounds starting December 9. Six group winners and two wild cards emerged after a slate of decisive games.
In the East, the Toronto Raptors finished 4-0 to win East Group A. The Orlando Magic clinched East Group B with a 112-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons, where Desmond Bane scored 37 points and grabbed crucial offensive rebounds late. Franz Wagner added 21 points for Orlando, while Cade Cunningham posted a triple-double with 39 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for Detroit, who fell to 2-2 in group play.
The New York Knicks captured East Group C by defeating the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks 118-109. Jalen Brunson led with 37 points, including key free throws in the fourth quarter. Josh Hart contributed 19 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in his return from injury, but the Bucks were eliminated after seven straight losses.
The Miami Heat earned the East wild card with a 3-1 record. In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder won West Group A 123-119 over the Phoenix Suns, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 37 points. Jalen Williams debuted with 11 points and eight assists. The Los Angeles Lakers went 4-0 in West Group B, beating the Mavericks 129-119 behind Austin Reaves' 38 points. The San Antonio Spurs took West Group C 139-136 against the Denver Nuggets, led by Devin Vassell's 35 points. The Suns grabbed the West wild card at 3-1.
Quarterfinals will be hosted by top seeds, with semifinals and the championship in Las Vegas on December 13 and 16. Teams like the Houston Rockets and Bucks now focus on the regular season after early exits.