The NBA Cup, the second annual in-season tournament, kicked off on Tuesday with eight group stage games. For details on the tournament format and group allocations, click here.
Tuesday’s Game Results:
– Celtics 116-117 Hawks (Recap)
– Pistons 123-121 Heat (Recap)
– Magic 114-89 Hornets (Recap)
– 76ers 99-111 Knicks (Recap)
– Bucks 99-85 Raptors (Recap)
– Jazz 112-120 Suns (Recap)
– Warriors 120-117 Mavs (Recap)
– Blazers 122-108 T-Wolves (Recap)
Notable Performers:
– **Tyler Herro (Heat)**: Coming close to a thrilling comeback, Herro recorded a season-high 40 points with six three-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping Miami erase a 14-point gap to push the game into overtime.
He hit a total of 10 threes, setting a franchise record for a single game. His tough basket with 1.8 seconds left in overtime would have clinched the victory if the Heat had managed one more defensive stop.
– **Dyson Daniels (Hawks)**: In Trae Young’s absence, Daniels achieved a career-best 28 points, along with seven assists, six steals, and three rebounds, leading Atlanta to an unexpected win against the Boston Celtics. He became the first player since Baron Davis and Allen Iverson in 2003-04 to reach at least 35 steals in their first 10 games of the season.
– **Steph Curry (Warriors)**: Curry overshadowed Klay Thompson’s return home with a stellar performance, scoring 37 points, including a 12-3 run in the fourth quarter, and achieving nine assists and six rebounds on 14-of-27 shooting. After the game, he celebrated with Thompson, who scored a season-high 22 points.
Highlight of the Night:
Bruno Fernando of the Toronto Raptors made a remarkable dunk over Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Additionally, it was Fernando’s best performance with the Raptors, achieving season highs with eight points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks.
Stat of the Night:
Shooting inconsistency was on display as the Portland Trail Blazers secured an important 122-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, sinking 43 of 84 three-point attempts (51%). This followed a previous game where they had a dismal 4-of-42 (9%) from beyond the arc, scoring only 89 points in a 45-point defeat.