The 2024 NBA Cup has reached its most exciting phase as the group stage concluded on Tuesday night, locking in the eight teams competing in the knockout stage. This in-season tournament, designed to add extra excitement to the NBA calendar, has delivered intense battles, wild card drama, and standout performances that have fans buzzing.

The teams advancing to the quarterfinals are the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks. With the knockout stage set to begin on Dec. 10, the competition will culminate in a championship game in Las Vegas on Dec. 17.

Here’s a breakdown of how the final night of group play unfolded and what to expect next.

Final Night of Group Play: High Stakes and Big Performances

Knicks Dominate Magic in Group A Finale

The New York Knicks hosted the Orlando Magic in a winner-take-all clash for East Group A. From the opening tip, the Knicks controlled the game, jumping out to a 36-27 lead after the first quarter and cruising to a 121-106 victory. Their win ensured a perfect 4-0 record in group play, securing the top spot in Group A.

The Knicks’ balanced offence was key, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Miles McBride added at least 18 points, while Josh Hart recorded a triple-double with 11, 13 rebounds, and ten assists.

Orlando, despite the loss, managed to claim the East wild-card spot. With a substantial overall point differential, the Magic survived the night as the best-performing second-place team, edging out the Boston Celtics.

Bucks Blow Out Pistons to Secure Group B

In another East showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Detroit Pistons for Group B supremacy. The Bucks dominated from the start, building a 78-59 lead at halftime and cruising to a 128-107 victory. The win marked Milwaukee’s seventh consecutive victory after a slow 4-9 start.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge, scoring 28 points on near-perfect shooting while adding eight rebounds. His dominant performance highlighted the Bucks’ balanced attack, which was crucial to their resurgence. Despite Cade Cunningham’s strong play throughout the tournament, the Pistons were eliminated with the loss.

Thunder Cruise in Group B with Help from Suns

The Oklahoma City Thunder needed a win over the Utah Jazz to secure their place in the knockout stage, and they delivered in style. After a tight first quarter, OKC pulled away for a commanding 133-106 victory. Seven Thunder players scored in double figures, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 26 points.

The Thunder also benefited from the Phoenix Suns’ win over the San Antonio Spurs. Victor Wembanyama had an off night for the Spurs, shooting just 6-of-18 from the field, as Phoenix pulled out a 104-93 victory despite losing Kevin Durant to an ankle sprain.

Mavericks Secure Wild Card in Dramatic Fashion

The Dallas Mavericks entered their game against the Memphis Grizzlies needing a win to stay in contention for a wild-card spot. Trailing by 15 points early in the fourth quarter, Luka Dončić took over, finishing with 37 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Spencer Dinwiddie and P.J. Washington also came up big, hitting key three-pointers in the final minutes to seal the comeback.

Dallas’ fate wasn’t fully secured until later in the night, as the Portland Trail Blazers fell to the Los Angeles Clippers, eliminating the Blazers from contention and sending the Mavericks to the knockout stage.

Knockout Stage Bracket

The NBA Cup knockout stage features four teams from each conference in a single-elimination format. The matchups for the quarterfinals are as follows:

Eastern Conference:

1. Magic at Bucks: The Bucks’ dominant form will face a tough challenge from the Magic, who have shown resilience and defensive prowess throughout the tournament.
2. Hawks at Knicks: The Knicks’ potent offence will take on the Hawks, who clinched Group C and are led by the dynamic Trae Young.

Western Conference:

1. Mavericks at Thunder: Luka Dončić and the Mavericks will look to build on their dramatic group stage finish against the top-seeded Thunder.
2. Warriors at Rockets: The defending champion Warriors will battle the rising Rockets, who have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the league.

Key Players to Watch

As the NBA Cup moves to the knockout rounds, here are some players who could make the most significant impact:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): With his dominant scoring and defensive versatility, Giannis remains the heart of the Bucks’ success.
2. Luka Dončić (Mavericks): Luka’s ability to take over games, as seen in the group stage finale, makes him a threat to any opponent.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): Leading the Thunder’s balanced attack, Shai’s scoring and playmaking will be crucial in the knockout stage.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks): Towns has been a force on both ends of the court for the Knicks, and his consistency will be vital against tough competition.
5. Trae Young (Hawks): Young’s ability to create for himself and his teammates have powered Atlanta’s offense, making him a key player to watch.

The Road Ahead

The NBA Cup has added a new layer of excitement to the season. The knockout stage promises even more drama. With a mix of veteran contenders and rising stars, every matchup brings its intrigue. The semifinals on Dec. 14 and the championship game on Dec. 17 in Las Vegas will crown the first-ever NBA Cup champion, giving teams an additional incentive to compete at their highest level.

Why the NBA Cup Matters

The NBA Cup has been a hit with fans, players, and teams alike, adding midseason stakes to the regular schedule. The format encourages intense competition, as every game determines group standings and wild-card berths. For players, it’s an opportunity to compete for a new title type. While teams benefit from the added focus and camaraderie of tournament play.

The inaugural tournament also previews what could become a permanent fixture in the NBA calendar. By blending the excitement of playoff-style basketball with the regular season. The NBA Cup has created a unique spectacle that engages fans and showcases the league’s depth of talent.

Looking Ahead to Vegas

As the knockout stage begins, the focus shifts to Las Vegas, where the semifinals and finals will occur. The venue adds an extra layer of excitement, with the city’s reputation as a hub for entertainment and high-stakes action.

The road to the NBA Cup championship will take work. With teams like the Bucks and Knicks in top form and underdogs like the Magic. And Mavericks eager to make their mark, anything can happen in a single-elimination format.

The 2024 NBA Cup has provided plenty of unforgettable moments, from Luka Dončić’s heroics to the Bucks’ resurgence. Fans can expect even more drama and excitement as the tournament enters its final stages.

With eight teams left standing, the race for the NBA Cup is wide open. Who will emerge as the first-ever champion? All eyes will be on Las Vegas as the best of the NBA battle for the ultimate midseason prize.