Story perspectives

NBA Cup Quarterfinals Set: Doncic's Turnovers Spark Suns' Victory

12/2/2025

Center

NBA Cup Quarterfinals

The NBA Cup knockout rounds feature eight teams: New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs as group winners; Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are second-place teams.
The quarterfinals are on December 9–10, with the semifinals on December 13 in Las Vegas.
Luka Doncic's nine turnovers were pivotal in the Phoenix Suns' win over the Lakers.
The Lakers face a challenging schedule, with four opponents above-.500 records.

Left

Lakers Secure Victory

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 133-121, securing second place in the Western Conference.
LeBron James praised Maxi Kleber for an unconventional game-saving airball layup, highlighting team chemistry.
Luka Doncic led with 35 points.
Austin Reaves scored 38, solidifying his status as a top offensive player.
The Lakers have a 15-4 record and face a tougher December schedule, raising concerns about performance against weaker teams.

History

Historical Context

The 1976 NBA Finals featured the Boston Celtics defeating the Phoenix Suns 4-2, marking the Celtics' 13th championship. This series highlighted the Suns' surprising playoff run, including a historic triple-overtime Game 5. The Celtics, seeking redemption after a disappointing 1975 season, solidified their legacy, influencing today's competitive NBA landscape, where teams like the Suns and Lakers continue to vie for glory.

1 of 3

NBA Cup Quarterfinals

The NBA Cup knockout rounds feature eight teams: New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs as group winners; Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are second-place teams.
The quarterfinals are on December 9–10, with the semifinals on December 13 in Las Vegas.
Luka Doncic's nine turnovers were pivotal in the Phoenix Suns' win over the Lakers.
The Lakers face a challenging schedule, with four opponents above-.500 records.

1 / 3