The NBA Cup quarterfinals are here, promising fireworks and drama. Milwaukee and New York, veterans of last year’s battle, return with confidence. But the real buzz? Six other contenders—Oklahoma City, Golden State, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando—are making their debut appearances. With Milwaukee’s Perfect Run intact, the stage is set for a showdown like no other.
Milwaukee’s Perfect Run: A Fluke or Real Dominance?
Milwaukee breezed through East Group B, smashing Detroit and maintaining an unblemished 4-0 record. Meanwhile, New York, also undefeated, triumphed over Orlando to top East Group A. But here’s the kicker: Orlando clawed its way into the wild-card spot, edging out Boston on a razor-thin point-differential tiebreaker. Talk about snatching victory from the jaws of defeat!
In the West, chaos reigned supreme. Oklahoma City claimed Group B after a nail-biting win over Utah, while Houston and Golden State secured their places early. But Dallas? They pulled off a Houdini act, rallying from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to beat Memphis and grab the wild-card spot.
Orlando’s journey was nothing short of bizarre. All they had to do was not lose to New York by more than 37 points to edge out Boston. By late in the third quarter, the Magic trailed by—you guessed it—exactly 37. The basketball gods must have chuckled as Orlando surged back with a jaw-dropping 40-18 run, losing by 15 but winning the coveted wild-card spot.
Franz Wagner summed up the oddity: “It feels weird to advance after a game like that, but it’s all part of the grind.” Indeed, the NBA Cup has turned into a chess game where every minute counts.
Golden State’s clash with Houston, and Oklahoma City’s battle with Dallas, will test the West’s mettle. Meanwhile, Milwaukee hosts Orlando, and New York faces Atlanta in the East. Bucks coach Doc Rivers is bullish: “We’re 4-0, but there’s work ahead. Still, we’ve earned this home court.”
Even players like Thunder guard Cason Wallace admit the rules are fuzzy: “I don’t know much about the Cup. I just want to win.” His words reflect the raw hunger fueling every team.
As the semifinals loom in Las Vegas, one thing is certain: this NBA Cup isn’t just a tournament—it’s a battlefield. Buckle up, fans. The drama is just getting started.
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