Raptors Secure Their Spot in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals
The Toronto Raptors became the first team to secure their qualification for the NBA Cup quarterfinals this Friday. The team has shown an outstanding performance, adding their ninth victory in the last ten matches.
After a season start with ups and downs, the Raptors have managed to turn their situation around. Their recent 140-110 victory over the Washington Wizards marks their fifth consecutive win, improving their record to ten wins in the last eleven games.
The Canadian team maintains a perfect record in the NBA Cup (3-0), thanks to an effective offense, with a 57% field goal percentage and 14 three-pointers in 29 attempts. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett led the team with 24 points each, while Scottie Barnes and Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 23 units respectively.
In the same group, the Cleveland Cavaliers achieved a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers, with Donovan Mitchell standing out with 32 points.
On the other hand, the Pacers, finalists last season, are going through a difficult time, with a record of 2-14, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.Jokic Near Triple-Double and Thunder Continue Unstoppable
In Houston, Nikola Jokic nearly achieved his fourth consecutive triple-double, recording 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in the Denver Nuggets’ victory over the Rockets.
Jamal Murray contributed 26 points and 10 assists, while Kevin Durant scored 13 points for Houston.
The Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their dominance in the NBA this season, defeating the Utah Jazz 144-112, after overcoming an 18-point deficit in the first quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and 8 assists in 30 minutes of play.
Stephen Curry, despite his return and 38 points with 9 three-pointers, couldn’t prevent Golden State’s defeat against Portland, who won 127-123. Caleb Love was key for Portland with 26 points.Nets Surprise Celtics and Flagg Shines
In a match between Spanish coaches, the Brooklyn Nets, led by Jordi Fernández, defeated Hugo González’s Boston Celtics with a score of 113-105. Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 33 points and 8 rebounds, adding to the team’s three away wins this season.
Rookie Cooper Flagg, first pick of the last draft, had an outstanding performance with 29 points in the Dallas Mavericks’ 118-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
