NBA Cup Bracket Unlocked: Who Advanced to the Thrilling Quarterfinals?

The anticipation is over, basketball fans! The electrifying NBA Cup bracket is now officially locked, setting the stage for an exhilarating knockout round. After a series of nail-biting group stage games, the eight teams vying for the coveted NBA Cup have been determined. From dominant group winners to fierce wild card contenders, the path to the semifinals promises unforgettable basketball action.

Let’s dive into how the teams punched their tickets to the quarterfinals, examining the standout performances and dramatic finishes that shaped the NBA Cup bracket.

Eastern Conference Thrillers: Magic, Knicks, and the Wild Card Heat

The Eastern Conference delivered high drama as teams battled for supremacy. Here’s how the East’s contenders secured their spots:

• Orlando Magic: Group B Dominance

  The Orlando Magic emerged as the first team from the East to clinch a spot in the knockout round, completing an impressive 4-0 run in Group B. Their decisive 112-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons showcased their resilience, with Desmond Bane leading the charge with an outstanding 37 points. The Magic’s perfect record cemented their place as a top contender in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

• New York Knicks: Group C Conquerors

  The New York Knicks also secured a direct berth, advancing from Group C with a 3-1 record. Their pivotal 118-109 win against the Milwaukee Bucks was fuelled by Jalen Brunson’s brilliant 37 points and 5 assists. Crucially, the Knicks’ head-to-head win against the Miami Heat earlier in the tournament proved to be the tie-breaker that saw them claim the group.

• Miami Heat: Eastern Wild Card

  Though the Heat finished with the same 3-1 record as the Knicks, their loss to New York meant they couldn’t win Group C directly. However, their strong overall performance earned them the Eastern Conference wild card spot, making them the only other 3-1 team in the conference to advance.

Western Conference Showdowns: Thunder, Spurs, and the Wild Card Suns

Out West, the competition was just as fierce, leading to some thrilling conclusions that shaped the final NBA Cup bracket:

• Oklahoma City Thunder: Group A’s Unbeaten Force

  The Oklahoma City Thunder blazed through Group A with a perfect 4-0 record, solidifying their position with a hard-fought 123-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Their consistent high-level play has made them a team to watch in the NBA Cup knockout round.

• San Antonio Spurs: Group C’s Gritty Victor

  In a true test of grit, the San Antonio Spurs claimed Group C with a dramatic 139-136 road win against the Denver Nuggets. Their 3-1 record was enough to secure their advancement directly to the quarterfinals.

• Phoenix Suns: Western Wild Card Powerhouse

  Despite their loss to the Thunder, the Phoenix Suns (3-1) didn’t go home empty-handed. Their impressive +31 point differential across the group stage was enough to top the Memphis Grizzlies’ +14, earning them the coveted Western Conference wild card spot and keeping their NBA Cup dreams alive.

The Awaited Quarterfinals: Who Else Made the Cut?

Before Friday’s final group stage games, two powerhouses had already guaranteed their places in the NBA Cup quarterfinals:

• Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers continued their dominant form, securing a 4-0 record and an early spot.
• Toronto Raptors: Our very own Toronto Raptors also went undefeated with a 4-0 record, clinching their quarterfinal berth with impressive performances throughout the group stage.

With all eight spots now filled, the stage is perfectly set for the next phase of this exciting tournament. The matchups are bound to be intense, with every team eyeing the ultimate prize.

A Look Back and Forward: Past Champions & Future Favourites

The NBA Cup has quickly established itself as a thrilling addition to the league calendar. The Bucks lifted the trophy last year, building on the Lakers’ inaugural victory in 2023. As we look ahead to the 2025 competition, the Oklahoma City Thunder, with their stellar 19-1 record, are widely considered strong contenders to claim this year’s title.

Stay tuned as the NBA Cup bracket unfolds, promising more unforgettable moments and high-stakes basketball action!