NBA Cup Roundup: Philadelphia Edges New York, Golden State Stuns Lakers
Philadelphia defeated New York 98-93 in the NBA Cup behind LeBron James, while Golden State achieved a historic 23-point comeback against the Lakers led by Stephen Curry's 31 points.
Philadelphia extended its impressive start to the season with a 98-93 victory over defending champion New York in the NBA Cup group stage, moving to a 5-1 record. LeBron James, 41, delivered his best performance since joining the Sixers, recording 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, sealing the game with a tough basket 1:10 minutes remaining after Jalen Brunson gave the Knicks a 90-89 lead with a three-pointer. VJ Edgecombe added a crucial triple, and James capped the win with another basket, while Tyrese Maxey led the winners with 27 points. For New York, Brunson scored 24 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 22, but the champion fell once again to the Sixers. Philadelphia played without Jaylen Brown due to left knee soreness.
Golden State pulled off a historic comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 112-95 after trailing by 23 points at the end of the first quarter. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, including 8 three-pointers, and surpassed Dominique Wilkins for 18th place on the NBA all-time scoring list with 26,688 points. Brandin Podziemski added 21 points, while Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 37 points. Golden State's bench proved decisive, outscoring the opponent and fueling the second-half turnaround.
Dallas handed Houston its first defeat of the season with a 116-111 victory, powered by a massive 40-point fourth quarter. Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points, and Cooper Flag contributed 33 points. Kevin Durant scored 28 points for the Rockets, who played without Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.
Miami opened its NBA Cup campaign with a 145-125 win over Indiana. Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists. Bam Adebayo added 27 points, and Klay Thompson contributed 25 points with 7 three-pointers, moving closer to Ray Allen's all-time record.
Boston cruised to a 125-111 victory over Chicago, led by Payton Pritchard's 30 points. Jayson Tatum added 26 points as the Celtics dominated from the opening tip and built a 32-point lead in the first half.
Denver defeated Phoenix 127-120 behind Jamal Murray's 39 points, including 28 in the second half. Christian Braun added 31 points with 6 three-pointers without a miss, while Dillon Brooks was ejected in the third quarter.
Minnesota secured a 127-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers without the injured Anthony Edwards. LaMelo Ball led the Timberwolves with 24 points, and Jaden McDaniels added 23.
Washington defeated Charlotte 95-79, anchored by Anthony Davis's 25 points and 13 rebounds. Trae Young added 21 points and 9 assists, while rookie AJ Dybantsa scored 17 points in his home debut.
Orlando bounced back with a 121-114 road win over Toronto, despite a career-high 41 points from Scottie Barnes. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 28 points, and Franz Wagner added 26 points and 11 assists.
