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Friday’s NBA Cup slate delivered everything fans could ask for — historic performances, wild comebacks, playoff-level intensity, and major movement in group standings. Toronto became the first team to lock up a knockout-round spot, Oklahoma City continued its scorching stretch, while underdogs like Portland and Brooklyn delivered huge wins. Here’s the full breakdown of an action-packed night.
Raptors Crush Wizards Behind Ingram and Barrett
The Toronto Raptors continued their unstoppable run with a dominating 140-110 victory over the Washington Wizards. Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett powered the attack with 24 points each as Toronto improved to 3-0 in group play — becoming the first team to clinch a knockout-round berth.
Scottie Barnes took over in the second half, scoring 18 of his 23 points after halftime. Sandro Mamukelashvili added 23 off the bench as Toronto overwhelmed Washington on both ends of the floor. The Raptors have now won 10 of their last 11 and look like a legitimate Cup contender.
Washington, meanwhile, dropped its 13th straight despite a 20-point outing from CJ McCollum. The Wizards fell to 0-2 in the NBA Cup and continue sliding toward their franchise record for consecutive losses.
Cavaliers Ride Mitchell and Garland Past Pacers
The Cleveland Cavaliers handled business in a 120-109 win over the Indiana Pacers behind 32 points from Donovan Mitchell and a sharp return from Darius Garland. In his first game since Nov. 10, Garland delivered 20 points and seven assists while knocking down three triples.
Andrew Nembhard erupted for a career-high 32 points with eight assists, and Pascal Siakam added 26 and nine boards for Indiana. But the Cavs controlled the second quarter and never looked back, improving to 2-1 in East Group A.
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Thunder Blow Out Jazz for Eighth Straight Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 31 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder blasted the Utah Jazz 144-112, extending their winning streak to eight. OKC, now 2-0 in West Group A, has won 16 of its first 17 — one of the hottest starts in modern league history.
Utah built an early lead behind strong shooting, but OKC’s firepower overwhelmed them. Isaiah Joe scored 16 off the bench, while Jaylin Williams added 15. The Jazz, who fell to 0-3 in group play, were officially eliminated.
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Trail Blazers Edge Warriors in Wild Finish
Rookie Caleb Love played hero, sinking two clutch 3-pointers late to lift the Portland Trail Blazers to a 127-123 win over the Golden State Warriors. Love finished with 26 points, matching Deni Avdija’s 26. Donovan Clingan added 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Toumani Camara chipped in 20.
Stephen Curry drained nine threes and scored 38, but Golden State couldn’t get stops when it mattered. Portland improved to 2-1 in West Group C, tying Denver for the group lead.
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Nets Shock Celtics Behind Porter Jr.’s 33
Michael Porter Jr. exploded for 33 points and Nic Claxton recorded his first career triple-double as the Brooklyn Nets stunned the Boston Celtics 113-105. Porter was unstoppable, hitting 13 of 21 shots and extending his streak of 20-point games to eight.
Brooklyn improved to 1-2 in NBA Cup Group B, while Boston fell to 1-2. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, and Anfernee Simons added 23.
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Nuggets Hold Off Rockets Behind Jokic and Murray
Nikola Jokic delivered another near triple-double with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists as the Denver Nuggets edged the Houston Rockets 112-109. Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists, while Jokic dominated the third quarter with 18 points.
Reed Sheppard scored 27 for Houston, and Jabari Smith Jr. added 21 and 11 before fouling out. The Rockets dropped to 1-2 in West Group C.
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Mavericks Outlast Pelicans Behind Rookie Flagg
Cooper Flagg delivered the best game of his career with 29 points, seven rebounds, and five assists as the Dallas Mavericks edged the New Orleans Pelicans 118-115. Twelve of Flagg’s points came in the fourth quarter.
PJ Washington added 24 points and Max Christie posted 23, while Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 25. The Pelicans fell to 0-3 in West Group B.
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Suns Rally Late to Shock Timberwolves
The Phoenix Suns stunned the Timberwolves with an improbable 114-113 comeback, capped by Collin Gillespie’s game-winner with 6.4 seconds remaining. Phoenix erased an eight-point deficit in the final 69 seconds to move to 2-0 in West Group A.
Dillon Brooks scored 22, and Mark Williams added 19 for the Suns. Anthony Edwards dropped 41 for Minnesota but couldn’t close the door late.
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Heat Dominate Bulls in 143–107 Rout
Miami buried Chicago under a wave of scoring, rolling to a 143-107 win. Kel’el Ware posted a double-double with 20 and 14, Norman Powell added 19, and Bam Adebayo scored 18 as the Heat improved to 2-1 in East Group C.
Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 23, but Chicago’s 18 turnovers and rebounding issues proved costly.
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