Key Highlights
- Harrison Barnes scored 24 points as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 121-110 in the NBA Cup opener.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers routed the Washington Wizards 148-114, setting a franchise record for most points in regulation.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo had an impressive performance with 41 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls 126-110.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Utah Jazz 137-97, thanks to Anthony Edwards’ 37-point performance in his return from injury.
NBA Cup Kickoff: Teams Vie for Early Leadership
On Friday night, the NBA Cup kicked off with a series of intense games featuring some of the league’s top talent. San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes led the way with 24 points as his team narrowly edged out the Houston Rockets with a scoreline of 121-110. Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama also contributed significantly, each scoring 22 points apiece.
The Spurs’ defense was particularly strong in the closing moments, with Barnes sealing the victory by scoring the game’s final four points on a pair of free throws and a breakaway dunk after a steal at midcourt. Champagnie added nine points in the decisive fourth quarter, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and rebounder.
Cleveland’s Historic Night: A New Record in Regulation
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers made history by setting a new franchise record for most points scored in a regulation game against the Washington Wizards. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 24 points, while Darius Garland provided strong support with 20 points and nine assists. The Cavaliers’ triumph was particularly notable as they fell just short of matching their own previous mark of 149 points set at Denver on December 28 last year.
Despite losing Donovan Mitchell to hamstring tightness for the opening game, Cleveland emerged victorious thanks to a balanced scoring effort and an unyielding defensive presence. The Wizards, however, struggled with their shot selection and execution, ultimately falling short by 34 points in what was a comprehensive defeat.
Milwaukee’s Dominant Performance: A Strong Start
Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an all-around powerhouse performance for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Chicago Bulls. The Greek Freak notched up an impressive triple-double with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. His fourth-quarter surge was pivotal in securing the victory as he scored 19 points to help his team maintain a comfortable lead.
Milwaukee’s dominance extended beyond just Antetokounmpo, as Ryan Rollins added 20 points while Myles Turner contributed significantly with 23 points. The Bucks’ defense and overall teamwork ensured that they won their second consecutive game in the NBA Cup, maintaining an unbeaten record so far.
Minnesota’s Resounding Win: Anthony Edwards Returns
The Minnesota Timberwolves demonstrated their strength as a team by defeating the Utah Jazz with a score of 137-97. Anthony Edwards returned from injury and made a significant impact, scoring an impressive 37 points on his second game back after missing four games due to a strained hamstring.
Julius Randle provided crucial support with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, completing his second consecutive triple-double. The Timberwolves’ high shooting accuracy (56.8% from the floor) and strong defense were key factors in their dominant performance.
The win also marked a significant improvement for Minnesota as they secured back-to-back NBA Cup victories.
The remaining games saw other teams like Memphis, Dallas, and Charlotte also contributing to the rich tapestry of the NBA Cup. With multiple exciting performances and record-breaking moments, the NBA Cup is off to an electrifying start, showcasing the depth and talent within the league.
